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 Tyco SimplexGrinnell
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Johnson Controls the world leader in fire protection, security, HVAC, building controls and
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 Packing more power into the
same flexible design.
Introducing 1200 Amp Starline Track Busway,
the newest addition to the T5 Series.

Starline’s newest addition to our line of track busway options delivers even more power,
without losing any of the flexibility that you’ve come to rely on from our T5 Series.
The 1200 amp busway still has our unique, modular, build-as-you-need design, and is
equipped for high-density electrical distribution under the most demanding conditions
in data center and mission critical environments. Best of all, the same plug-in units can
be used for all systems in the T5 series—from our 250 amp to the new 1200 amp. To
learn more about our newest and largest busway choice, visit StarlinePower.com.

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input #3 at www.csemag.com/information
 ON THE COVER:
The Vanderbilt Uni-
versity Engineering
and Science Build-
ing is a 230,000-sq-
ft interdisciplinary
research and JUNE 2017
teaching build-
ing in Nashville,
Tenn. The building
uses air-side heat FEATURES
recovery as one
of the elements 38 | Modernizing the Wrigley
to achieve 30% Field chilled-water system
energy-cost sav- Selecting and specifying the right chiller
ings compared to is generally dictated by capacity, and
ASHRAE Standard there are many philosophies on the
90.1-2007.
best way to control, operate, and calcu-
Courtesy: TLC Engi-
late system operational costs.
neering for Archi-
SUZAN SUN-YUAN, PE, CDT, LEED AP; and
tecture
CORY J. ABRAMOWICZ, PE, HBDP, LEED AP

COVER STORY
32 | Recovering waste heat in buildings 46 | Designing buildings
Waste-heat recovery systems are increasingly used in for the Internet of Things
buildings to move waste heat from laboratories, data
The networking of things within a
centers, or industrial activities to provide beneficial
building must be anticipated by
heating in other parts of the building.
building engineers.
CORY DUGGIN, PE, LEED AP BD+C, BEMP
TIM KUHLMAN, PE, RCDD

DEPARTMENTS
51 | Integrating BAS,
05 | Viewpoint 25 | Codes & Standards controls for smart buildings
How to educate a Applying NFPA 99 Technology integration between all
changing population to health care facilities engineering disciplines will create a
smart building that can enhance
07 | Research 77 | Digital Edition
building operations.
Electrical, power systems Exclusive
in data centers BRANDON McCARRON
The basics of daylighting

09 | Career Smart 79 | Advertiser Index

Mentoring creates a
competitive advantage 80 | Future of
Engineering ENGINEERING DISCIPLINES
10 | MEP Roundtable How engineering firms Use the icons to identify topics of interest.
High expectations for can enhance value with AUTOMATION & CONTROLS HVAC
high-performance buildings software and intellectual
COMMUNICATIONS LIGHTING
property
19 | Codes & Standards ELECTRICAL PLUMBING
How NFPA 99-2015 changes FIRE, SECURITY & LIFE SAFETY
affect mechanical design

CONSULTING-SPECIFYING ENGINEER (ISSN 0892-5046, Vol. 54, No. 5, GST #123397457) is published 11x per year, monthly except in February, by CFE Media, LLC, 1111 W. 22nd Street, Suite
#250, Oak Brook, IL 60523. Jim Langhenry, Group Publisher /Co-Founder; Steve Rourke CEO/COO/Co-Founder. CONSULTING-SPECIFYING ENGINEER copyright 2017 by CFE Media, LLC. All rights reserved. CONSULTING-
SPECIFYING ENGINEER is a registered trademark of CFE Media, LLC used under license. Periodicals postage paid at Oak Brook, IL 60523 and additional mailing offices. Circulation records are maintained at CFE Media, LLC, 1111
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changes are indicated, single copies are available for $30.00 US and $35.00 foreign. Please address all subscription mail to CONSULTING-SPECIFYING ENGINEER, 1111 W. 22nd Street, Suite #250, Oak Brook, IL 60523. Printed
in the USA. CFE Media, LLC does not assume and hereby disclaims any liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions in the material contained herein, regardless of whether such errors result from
negligence, accident or any other cause whatsoever.

www.csemag.com Consulting-Specifying Engineer • JUNE 2017 3

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 Editor’s Viewpoint
CONTENT SPECIALISTS/EDITORIAL
AMARA ROZGUS, Editor-in-Chief/Content Manager
630-571-4070 x2211, ARozgus@CFEMedia.com
EMILY GUENTHER, Associate Content Manager
630-571-4070 x2220, EGuenther@CFEMedia.com
AMANDA PELLICCIONE, Director of Research
APelliccione@CFEMedia.com
MICHAEL SMITH, Creative Director
630-779-8910, MSmith@CFEmedia.com
ELISA GEISHEIMER, Production Coordinator
630-571-4070 x2213, EGeisheimer@CFEMedia.com
Amara Rozgus,
Editor-in-Chief
EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD
CORY J. ABRAMOWICZ, PE, LEED AP,
Associate, Environmental Systems Design Inc., Chicago
PETER ALSPACH, PE, LEED AP BD+C,
Principal, Mechanical Engineer, Arup, Seattle
JERRY BAUERS, PE,
How to educate a
Vice President, NV5, Kansas City, Mo.
MICHAEL CHOW, PE, LEED AP BD+C,
Principal, Metro CD Engineering LLC, Columbus, Ohio
changing population
T
TOM DIVINE, PE,
Senior Electrical Engineer,
Smith Seckman Reid Inc., Houston
he population of the United schools in many ways. Private schools
CORY DUGGIN, PE, LEED AP BD+C, BEMP, States ebbs and flows as the often rely on endowments or dona-
Energy Modeling Wizard, TLC Engineering for Architecture Inc.,
Brentwood, Tenn.
birthrate changes and the death tions from generous benefactors to
ROBERT J. GARRA JR., PE, CDT, rate fluctuates. According to the build new programs or facilities.
Vice President, Electrical Engineer,
CannonDesign, Grand Island, N.Y.
World Bank and other sources, the The cost of education continues to
JASON GERKE, PE, LEED AP BD+C, C X A, United States birthrate has held about rise, changing the dynamics of how
Mechanical Engineer, GRAEF, Milwaukee
even over the past 20 years, with 1.8 students earn a degree. The number of
JOSHUA D. GREENE, PE,
Vice President, Jensen Hughes, Framingham, Mass. births per woman (the most recent enrollees in 2-year schools saw a surge
RAYMOND GRILL, PE, FSFPE, data is from 2015). From 1960 to 1995, between 2009 and 2012 (think Great
Principal, Arup, Washington, D.C.
DANNA JENSEN, PE, LEED AP BD+C,
however, the U.S. birthrate was on Recession) and part-time students
Senior Vice President, WSP, Dallas a downward trend; in 1960, the U.S. were at an all-time high in 2010. The
WILLIAM KOFFEL, PE, FSFPE,
President, Koffel Associates Inc., Columbia, Md.
birthrate was 3.7 births per woman. debate continues about whether a col-
WILLIAM KOSIK, PE, CEM, LEED AP BD+C, BEMP, Around the world, the birthrate cur- lege degree is really necessary. What
Senior Mechanical Engineer - Mission Critical,
exp US Services Inc., Chicago
rently is 2.45 births per woman, which are schools doing to stay ahead of their
KENNETH KUTSMEDA, PE, LEED AP, also reflects a downward trend (it was competition in a tight market?
Engineering Manager, Jacobs, Philadelphia double that number, at 4.98 births per Brick-and-mortar facilities are creat-
JULIANNE LAUE, PE, LEED AP BD+C, BEMP,
Senior MEP Engineer, Center for Sustainable Energy, woman, in 1960). ing top-notch facilities to educate stu-
Mortenson Construction, Minneapolis Several news outlets reported the dents in the most promising fields. The
DAVID LOWREY,
Chief Fire Marshal, Boulder (Colo.) Fire Rescue low birthrate in the U.S. as a “national article “Recovering waste heat in build-
BRIAN MARTIN, PE, emergency” and a “fertility crisis.” As ings” on page 32, for example, highlights
Senior Electrical Engineer, Buildings and Places,
AECOM, Portland, Ore. older citizens die, the country’s young a university that is upgrading its science
DWAYNE G. MILLER, PE, RCDD, AEE CPQ, population cannot yet contribute as labs, banking on the fact that science and
Chief Executive Officer, NV5, Las Vegas
much into the economy, the tax base, technology are promising fields for jobs.
RODNEY V. OATHOUT, PE, CEM, LEED AP,
Principal, Regional Engineering Leader, and a host of social programs. Online educators are reworking
DLR Group, Overland Park, Kan.
Colleges and universities—along the way they offer education, mak-
FREDDY PADILLA, PE, ATD,
Principal/Senior Electrical Engineer, Page, Austin, Texas with K-12 schools—follow the birth- ing it easy to learn from anywhere at
SYED PEERAN, PE, PhD, rate in the United States closely, as any time. CFEEdu.cfemedia.com, for
Senior Engineer, CDM Smith Inc., Boston
GREGORY QUINN, PE, NCEES, LEED AP,
it helps them plan for facility expan- instance, offers courses in varying
Principal, Health Care Market Leader, sion or student needs. Public schools’ lengths to help engineers better under-
Affiliated Engineers Inc., Madison, Wis.
BRIAN A. RENER, PE, LEED AP,
capital funding frequently is pushed stand a particular technical topic.
Associate, SmithGroupJJR, Chicago by government bonds or other public Schools as we know them will not
SUNONDO ROY, PE, LEED AP BD+C,
Vice President, CCJM Engineers Ltd., Chicago
funding factors. Illinois, for example, disappear anytime soon. They may,
RANDY SCHRECENGOST, PE, CEM, has operated without a state budget however, shift to stay in touch with
Austin Operations Group Manager and
Senior Mechanical Engineer,
for nearly 2 years; this has hurt public students’ needs.
Stanley Consultants, Austin, Texas
RICHARD VEDVIK, PE,
Senior Electrical Engineer and Acoustics Engineer,
IMEG Corp., Rock Island, Ill.
MIKE WALTERS, PE, LEED AP,
Campus Energy Market Leader, MEP Associates, Verona, Wis.
JOHN YOON, PE, LEED AP ID+C,
Lead Electrical Engineer, McGuire Engineers Inc., Chicago www.csemag.com Consulting-Specifying Engineer • JUNE 2017 5
MACH-ProView ™
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 Addressable lighting
systems
Not affected Very affected

18% 18%

30% 34%
research
2016 ELECTRICAL AND POWER STUDY
Somewhat
ff d
affected
Moderately
ff d
affected Electrical, power systems in data centers

Figure 1: Within the past 12 to 18
months, more than half of engineers
have been affected by the increased
popularity of addressable lighting
systems among their clients. Source:
Consulting-Specifying Engineer
2017 Lighting and Lighting Controls
Study
62% of mechanical engineers
recommend the brand of HVAC
systems, equipment, and controls
being used in a project. Source:
Consulting-Specifying Engineer 2015
HVAC and Building Automation Sys-
tems Study
50% of fire protection engi-
neers expect to specify or select
emergency communication or mass
notification systems within the next
12 months. Source: Consulting-
Specifying Engineer 2016 Fire and
Life Safety Study
T
he Consulting-Specifying Engi-
neer 2016 Electrical and Power
Study indicated that 41% of
engineers specify, design, or make
product selections for data centers—
and seven in 10 of these engineers are
responsible for researching and eval-
uating the options for these projects.
Below are five electrical and power
system findings as they relate to data
center projects:
1. Revenue: The average firm
earns $3 million annually from elec-
trical or power systems specified into
new and existing data centers, with
33% bringing in more than $5 mil-
lion each year from these projects.
2. Systems specified: The top five
electrical or power systems or equip-
ment being specified into data cen-
ters are circuit breakers, fuses, etc.
(83%); transfer switches, etc. (79%);
emergency and standby power (79%);
transformers (79%); and electrical
distribution (77%).
Most critical challenges in electrical,
power system design for data centers
3. Specifications: Engineers are
most frequently issuing performance
electrical or power system specifica-
tions (75%) for data center projects,
closely followed by prescriptive spec-
ifications (71%).
4. Challenges: When working on
electrical or power systems for data
centers, engineers are having the
most difficulty with insufficient bud-
gets for high-quality designs (80%)
and meeting a client’s expected deliv-
ery date (67%).
5. Comparing systems: Overall
quality is highly important when
selecting an electrical or power sys-
tem for a data center; engineers also
are looking for superior service sup-
port, a reputable manufacturer, and
energy-efficient capabilities for these
systems.
View more information at
www.csemag.com/2016ElectricalPower.
Amanda Pelliccione is the research
director at CFE Media.

26%
$2.9 million:
Budget, cost

Lack of skilled workforce 18%

Average total annual dollar amount
of electrical or power systems New technologies 17%
specified for new and existing build-
ings. Source: Consulting-Specifying Energy efficiency 14%
Engineer 2016 Electrical and Power
Study Codes and standards 9%

Other 16%
More research
Consulting-Specifying Engineer cov- Figure 2: The lack of a skilled workforce leaves 18% of engineers concerned about electrical
ers several research topics each year. or power systems designed for future data center projects. Source: Consulting-Specifying
All reports are available at Engineer
www.csemag.com/research.

www.csemag.com Consulting-Specifying Engineer • JUNE 2017 7

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 Career Smart
Mentoring creates a
competitive advantage
Developing and maintaining a mentoring program within an
organization can help grow the bottom line.
T
he higher education system in the
U.S. is only producing a small frac-
tion of the graduates needed to fill
entry-level positions in the architectural
engineering industry, and that number
continues to decline. In 2015, only 717
students graduated from 23 architectural
engineering programs accredited by the
Accreditation Board for Engineering and
Technology Inc., down from a recent high
of 921 graduates in 2012. The numbers
suggest that the architectural engineering
industry will continue to seek more entry-
level talent through engineering pro-
grams that are not tailored to this specific
industry. The result is an industry that is
becoming more self-taught every year.
Selecting the right mentors within an
organization is critical. Simply possess-
ing the technical knowledge of a specific
discipline doesn’t always guarantee effec-
tive mentoring. Successful mentors need
to have a propensity for teaching and
engaging young staff. They also need to be
disciplined in their approach and willing
to facilitate the progression of young pro-
fessionals through their firm.
Typically, mentors fall within four
broad categories:
 Career guide—counsels, promotes,
and helps with long-term career
development
 Information source—serves as a
technical resource
www.csemag.com
DAVID KURTEN PE,
HDR Architecture Inc., Princeton, N.J.
 Friend—provides social and bureau-
cratic context
 Intellectual guide—provides
constructive feedback in a peer
relationship.
Each type of mentor plays an impor-
tant role in the development of young
professionals, and each will foster a dif-
ferent mentoring relationship. A firm
needs to evaluate the types of mentors
available within the organization and
select the most appropriate for a given
young professional. In some cases, the
young professional may select the indi-
vidual through natural interaction with
departmental staff. In that case, the
firm may need to augment a mentoring
relationship with another individual in
a different category. Providing a second
mentor gives the young professional
well-balanced exposure.
Companies need to encourage mentor-
ing by ideally embedding professional
development in the cultural fabric of the
organization. They should provide guid-
ance and direction to ensure consistency
in the outcomes as well as a degree of
flexibility that accommodates a variety of
personalities and department structures.
The firm also needs to adopt a long-term
perspective about professional develop-
ment, recognizing that the return on the
investment of time and resources will not
be visible in the bottom line for years.
Consulting-Specifying Engineer • JUNE 2017
A successful mentoring program also
relies on young professionals, them-
selves. The firm should seek entry-level
candidates with a healthy thirst for
knowledge and the industry and a clear
understanding of the benefits that men-
tors provide. They need to be proactive
and have a desire to seek out wisdom
and expertise from their mentors. They
also have a responsibility to pay it for-
ward to the next generation, which will
help ensure the long-term success of a
mentoring program.
Mentoring can benefit every aspect
of an organization. Young professionals
learn skill sets, get more visibility, feel
valued, and typically have higher earn-
ings potential. Mentors have a higher
degree of job satisfaction, an increase
in generational awareness in the work-
place, and renewed enthusiasm—and
they may even relearn skills that have
atrophied.
The need to mentor young profes-
sionals in the industry is becoming
more urgent. Those firms that embrace
mentoring holistically and create a sym-
biotic relationship between their prac-
tice, mentors, and young professionals
will create a distinct competitive advan-
tage in the marketplace.
David Kurten is the vice president and
director of engineering for HDR Archi-
tecture Inc.
9
 MEP Roundtable
Dave Clute, NREL Energy
Executive, BOMI-HP

High expectations
VP, Intelligent Building Group
Operation Director
Environmental Systems
Design

for high-performance
Chicago

buildings
Paul Erickson, High-performance buildings are intricate, complex projects that
LEED AP BD+C
Building Performance Practice require attention—qualified, expert consulting-specifying engineers
Leader
Affiliated Engineers apply their knowledge on such projects.
Madison, Wis.

CSE: What’s the No. 1 trend you see
today in the design of high-performance
buildings?
Dave Clute: The No. 1 trend we see in our
Richard Holzer, current projects is clients’ desire to deliver
EE, LEED AP economic, environmental, and experiential
Principal Engineer
outcomes that allow them to create a com-
Southland Engineering
Portland, Ore. petitive advantage for their core businesses.
Economic performance to satisfy long-term
cost benefits is paramount. Environmental
performance and energy efficiency is a given.
Workspaces that provide a compelling experi-
ence to work, live, and play is also high on the
list of desirable attributes.
Paul Erickson: Energy modeling seems to
Tim Kuhlman, be the most widespread trend that I am see-
PE, RCDD, CDT ing in high-performance building projects. At
Associate Principal
the rate energy codes and standards are ramp-
TEECOM
Portland, Ore. ing up, prescriptive compliance is becoming
more challenging. This coupled with energy-
savings targets for many institutions compels
the need for using modeling tools to test con-
cepts, shape design solutions, and evaluate the
overall project performance.
Richard Holzer: I’m seeing a shift in empha-
sis from energy conservation to occupant
A. Brian Lomel, PE, LEED health and wellness. Interestingly, the num-
AP BD+C, CxA, WELL AP ber of projects seeking LEED certification is
Director trending down.
TLC Engineering for Archi-
tecture Tim Kuhlman: I see a trend to make build-
Orlando, Fla. ings more “technology-ready.” Whether it is
for smarter building systems or the interaction
of the people that work in the building, there
is an expectation that the new technologies for
sharing data will be supported.
A. Brian Lomel: I’m seeing wellness and
indoor air quality for enhanced productivity
and better work environments as well as attrac-
tion and retention of employees/occupants.
CSE: What other trends should engi-
neers be on the lookout regarding such
projects in the near future (1 to 3 years)?
Erickson: Considering the energy/water
nexus in buildings and on campuses, respond-
ing with holistic design solutions is a growing
trend. More attention is being given to occu-
pant experience, whether via rating systems
like Living Building Challenge and WELL or
via individual controllability tools like Comfy.
Other trends we see are a bit more project-
type-specific. Geoexchange systems (geother-
mal to many) have found great success in the
K-12 market and are increasingly part of the
puzzle for high-performance higher education
and corporate buildings and campus planning.
With the confirmation of successful first appli-
cations like Cone Health’s, active chilled beams
are the major trend in health care right now.
With updates a few years ago to ASHRAE Stan-
dard 170: Ventilation of Health Care Facilities
that opened up the opportunity to use chilled

10 Consulting-Specifying Engineer • JUNE 2017 www.csemag.com

 Figure 1: Opened in October
2016, Zurich’s North America
headquarters in Schaumburg,
Ill., is a 783,000-sq-ft, LEED
Platinum complex. Features
include horizontal sunshades
covering the exterior and floor-
to-ceiling glass offering exten-
sive natural light. Courtesy:
Environmental Systems Design
beams for reducing air-change require-
ments, we are consistently seeing our
projects apply this solution for the same
cost—or less—as traditional variable air
volume (VAV) while gaining significant
energy savings as well.
Kuhlman: Engineers should start get-
ting used to working with virtual reality
(VR). I expect this to appear on two dif-
ferent fronts. The first is in how we design
systems. VR will be able to help engi-
neers to virtually interact with a system
to determine issues with access, mainte-
nance, and construction. The second is
in the design of VR interaction rooms.
These rooms can be thought of as very
high-end AV rooms where a client can
project a virtual space to evaluate prod-
ucts and have interactive training with
equipment and demonstrations.
Holzer: There is a greater focus on
water conservation and reuse, particularly
in the Western United States.
Lomel: Net zero water and energy,
microgrids, and emphasis on resiliency
are some other trends.
Clute: The ability to offer the end
users, tenants, visitors, and operators of
a building a mobile, digital experience
is becoming increasingly more impor-
tant. Millennials and next-generation
employees want to be able to access a
building using digital credentials and
modify the temperature and light lev-
els of their workspace using handheld
www.csemag.com
smartphones. Communication, collab-
oration, coordination, and innovation
is how people want to work; anywhere
and anytime.
CSE: Please describe a recent
high-performance building project
you’ve worked on—share details
about the project including location,
systems engineered, team involved,
etc.
Clute: The Zurich North America
Headquarters project located in Scha-
umburg, Ill., was recently completed and
opened in October 2016. Certified as
LEED Platinum, the 783,800-sq-ft com-
plex reinforces Zurich’s commitment to
environmental stewardship. A network of
horizontal sunshades clad the perimeter
of the complex, with the sunshades vary-
ing in depth depending on orientation,
while floor-to-ceiling glass offers exten-
sive natural light for the shallow office
plates. A soaring 3-story double wall faces
south toward the multilevel plazas, show-
casing an architecture that responds to the
changing Chicago climate. The building
was designed by Goettsch Partners for the
base building and Cannon Design for the
interiors; Clayco Construction was the
design-build contractor.
Erickson: Montana State University
in Bozeman has an engineering student
alum that’s made a name for himself in
Consulting-Specifying Engineer • JUNE 2017
the HVAC industry. Norm Asbjornson,
founder of AAON, made a significant
donation to fund a new engineering
building on campus (Norm Asbjornson
Hall) charged with embracing high-per-
formance design, even reaching toward
net zero energy, to create a dynamic and
interactive learning environment. AEI
and ZGF Architects partnered with Asso-
ciated Construction Engineering and
A&E Architects to design this leading-
edge facility. Starting with early planning
and study, we determined an energy-use
intensity (EUI) target that could be sup-
ported by PV on the site, which included
a new parking garage that is a part of the
project. In conjunction with a vision held
by the assistant director of facilities ser-
vices to interconnect multiple buildings
on this south part of campus, we explored
and implemented a geoexchange system
design. Using a mix of an AAON air han-
dling unit and local conditioning equip-
ment that can be selected with geoex-
change heat pump options, we were able
to provide a low-energy concept that can
move heating and cooling energy between
the spaces in the building, the building
and the geofield, or even the building
and the other nearby campus build-
ings. To help meet the heavily domi-
nating heating loads, a transpired solar
wall system was employed, harnessing
the extremely sunny Bozeman climate.
These and other systems allowed the
11
 MEP Roundtable
EUI of the building to be reduced to
a very low number, often referred to
as near zero energy or net zero-ready.
Once deployed, the PV and solar hot-
water systems should allow for net zero
operation.
Kuhlman: I am currently working
on cloud-computing data centers for
a confidential client. The servers are
connected through a fabric network
designed for high throughput and high
reliability. In addition to the technology
that is implemented to make the data
center function, the fabric network also
implements technology to assist the
data center operators to interact with
the building systems.
CSE: Have you designed any high-
performance building projects using
the integrated project delivery (IPD)
method?
Kuhlman: I worked on an IPD proj-
ect a few years ago in Oregon for a con-
fidential client that was renovating a
Figure 2: The Center for Translational Research and Education, located in Loyola
University’s Health Sciences Campus in Maywood, Ill., is a $137 million research and
education facility accommodating 500 scientists and staff collaborating on various
projects geared toward improving human health. Courtesy: Dave Burk Photography
12 Consulting-Specifying Engineer • JUNE 2017
manufacturing space to work as a high-
tech laboratory. It was an interesting
experience to have the general contractor
and subcontractors involved in the early
part of the design. It was a new process
and learning experience for the entire
team. IPD presents a definite advantage
to a building owner. It minimizes changes
during construction by getting all parties
to agree to a solution early in the design
process. I would say the most difficult
issue to overcome was trust amongst the
parties (architects, engineer, contractor,
and subcontractors). We all had years of
experience in the design-bid-build pro-
cess, which places the engineer and con-
tractor in an adversarial role. It takes a lot
of trust amongst all parties to make IPD
work. Overall, this project was successful
because the owner believed in it and was
an active participant to make it work.
Clute: The Zurich North America
Headquarters project is an excellent
example of how the owner, architects,
and contractor teams can work very
closely together from the outset to
deliver a project using the IPD method.
The use of BIM was a guiding principle
that allowed the entire team to communi-
cate, coordinate, and collaborate to deliv-
er a world-class, award-winning result.
Erickson: The award-winning Wis-
consin Institutes for Discovery building
on the University of Wisconsin campus
in Madison has been in operation since
2011, but the lessons learned relative to
IPD delivery of a large-scale high-per-
formance facility remain timely. Com-
bining the programs of two biomedical
research organizations with aggressive
energy efficiency and flexibility strate-
gies in this 300,000-sq-ft building almost
demanded—and certainly greatly ben-
efited from—the collaborative practices
characterizing IPD. Correctly identify-
ing and organizing the distinct represen-
tatives who will jointly deliver specific
outcomes is essential to the efficiency of
such collaboration.
CSE: What are the challenges
that you face when designing such
facilities that you don’t normally
face for other building projects?
Lomel: Working on high-perfor-
mance buildings is both exciting and
encouraging, as owners of such facilities
tend to be more engaged in the design
process. A challenge is that design team
members seldom have similar levels of
expertise in high-performance design.
Due to the integrated nature of high-
performance design, it’s crucial for the
team to be in sync to deliver a high-
performance building.
Erickson: What we see is that, to
meet the energy- and water-savings
targets set by states or the institutions
themselves, we are introducing technol-
ogies and systems that are new to many
of the operators. We now find ourselves
spending as much or more time on
stakeholder engagement and organiza-
tional change as we do on the analysis to
identify the design solutions. I find this
to be an informal requirement, but one
that needs to be addressed so that our
www.csemag.com
high-performance designs will succeed
in the long run under operation.
Clute: The complexity of the contrac-
tual relationships required to define,
design, and deliver a high-performance
building requires a more sophisticated
understanding of the details involved
across the entire lifecycle of the project.
The roles and responsibilities of each
party need to be clearly communicat-
ed and understood at all levels of the
owner, architect, and contractor entities
delivering the project.
Kuhlman: High-performance build-
ings tend to have more utilities and
require a higher level of integration
between the systems. For example, in
a large data center, the fabric network
consists of multiple networks connect-
ed in parallel that require each to have
separate cable routes to reduce the risk
of network failure. This results in need-
ing to do more space coordination. In
a high-performance building for manu-
facturing facilities, control systems are
more sophisticated to provide the cor-
rect environment control for the manu-
facturing area.
CSE: What are some unique ele-
ments/considerations to designing/
retrofitting high-performance build-
ings?
Holzer: With the increasing interest in
low-energy, zero net energy buildings,
there is increasing need to drive down
electrical consumption from equipment
and appliances, which requires a change
to occupant expectations and behaviors.
The change in expectations revolves
around interior temperature/occupant
comfort. Behavioral change is necessary
to alter how and when occupants use and
turn off equipment and appliances.
Lomel: Glazing (orientation, amount,
quality), the early energy model, ventila-
tion, lighting, and how they all interact.
Clute: Perhaps the most important ele-
ment to consider throughout the design
and construction process is the impor-
tance of the Construction Specifications
www.csemag.com
Institute (CSI) Division 25 – , Integrated
Automation. This is where all the indi-
vidual building subsystems come together
in one place to provide cross-functional
coordination and system integration.
Kuhlman: The assumptions on how we
would approach lighting systems, access
control, and network distribution are dif-
ferent now then what they were 10 years
ago. For example, it is now possible to do
a complete lighting system with LED-
based lights using Class 2 power-limited
cabling. For some LED lighting systems,
this is the same type of cabling used for
data networks. I see a similar trend for
security systems and control systems that
are moving toward Ethernet networks and
POE (power over Ethernet) devices. All of
this adds up to placing more of a burden
on the telecom-network infrastructure
in a building. This implies larger telecom
rooms that need more power, cooling,
and cabling than what they required in
the past.
Erickson: The building envelope and
floor-to-floor height often drive many
of our design solutions when retrofitting
high-performance buildings. The two
can directly relate. As we move toward
hydronic, decoupled cooling strategies
(i.e., chilled beams, chilled sails, radiant
cooling panels, etc.), cooling capacity for
each varies, to the extent that an envelope
with poor solar-load control will reduce
the system types that can be used or even
preclude their use. High infiltration rates
can also limit or preclude use of these
cooling systems, as moisture levels in the
space can get too high and lead to con-
densation issues. Considering an enve-
lope retrofit that addresses one or both in
addition to improving overall insulation
value is highly recommended.
CSE: Is your team using BIM in
conjunction with the architects,
trades, and owners to design a high-
performance building? Describe
an instance in which you’ve turned
over the BIM model to the owner for
long-term operations and mainte-
nance.
Consulting-Specifying Engineer • JUNE 2017
Kuhlman: Often, what we call BIM
on a project is not what BIM is being
sold as in the market. Every project I
have worked on for the past several
years has had a BIM execution plan to
communicate between the owner, archi-
tect, engineer, and contractor on how
to develop and organize the building
CAD model. Most of this relates to the
level of detail that will be represented
in the 3-D CAD building model. What
BIM is still lacking is the rich amount
of detailed information of each compo-
nent in the model. The issue has to do
with the size of the model for a large,
high-performance building that has a
lot of building elements. During the
design and construction process where
the model is being constantly manipu-
lated, very large BIM models can be
detrimental to CAD production. Add-
ing in all the rich equipment data can
explode the size of the model so that it
becomes too big to work with. Often,
each engineering discipline works on
their own model and then connects
with the others on the team to coordi-
nate the design. If the models are too
big to work with, it can negatively affect
the design coordination.
Clute: The Zurich North America
Headquarters project is also an exam-
ple of where BIM was used to design,
build, and deliver a high-performance
building. BIM was used from the
beginning of the project in the early
design stages to visualize the project,
and Clayco delivered a completed BIM
model to the Zurich Corporate Real
Estate and Facilities Management team
upon completion for ongoing opera-
tions and maintenance functions.
CSE: What are the most chal-
lenging codes and standards for
such structures? What makes them
so challenging?
Lomel: The Living Building Chal-
lenge (LBC) provides considerable chal-
lenges in reducing water and energy,
while also focusing on the materials
13
 MEP Roundtable
used in construction. Everything is an imperative; there
are no options, so an owner has to be ‘all in’ in order to
achieve full LBC certification.
Kuhlman: Every engineer designing a telecommunica-
tions data or phone network for a building needs to know
NFPA 70: National Electrical Code (NEC) or the version
of the electrical code adopted for their state. Power-limited
systems and nonpowered systems (fiber optics) are still
HPS Titan®
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Encapsulated Transformers for Harsh Association (TIA) suite of standards for commercial build-
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HPS FortressTM - Economical solution for commercial applications products design with these standards in mind to make sure
the network equipment works with the cabling equipment.
Therefore, the engineer needs to design to these standards
power to perform for the network building equipment.
Holzer: I find that the energy-performance goals of vari-
input #7 at www.csemag.com/information ous institutions can be very difficult to attain. For example,
the University of California requires new buildings to exceed
the state energy code—Title 24—by at least 20%. This is
extraordinarily challenging because Title 24 is becoming
increasingly stringent with each revision cycle, and compli-
ance is challenging even without the additional requirement
of beating it by a 20% margin.

CSE: What are some solutions/best practices to

ensure that the high-performance building will meet
or exceed codes and standards?

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input #8 at www.csemag.com/information 14 Consulting-Specifying Engineer • JUNE 2017

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input #9 at www.csemag.com/information
 MEP Roundtable
THE NEW STANDARD FOR
CRITICAL ENVIRONMENTS.
can be a problem because they don’t recognize a UL list-
ing. Instead, I may be looking for the same product that
has a CE mark. Our clients want to move globally, but each
country is sovereign and has its own codes and standards.
Networking equipment is probably the most uniform from
country to country. All Ethernet ports look the same. The
same cannot be said for power outlets. Yet, even in building
networking components where there is such a high level of
Introducing the new Ruskin® critical uniformity, the building codes and listing requirements for
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Holzer: Codes restrict the amount of vision glazing,
design of wall/roof/floor assemblies, and rooftop space
allocations set aside for solar panels.
3:09 PM Clute: New codes, standards, and guidelines for energy
efficiency are making it easier for us to justify and build
compelling business cases for the design of high-perfor-
mance buildings. When the need to achieve higher levels
of performance are required by law, it makes the need to
comply much easier than if the choice was optional.
Lomel: The changes between the 2004 and 2007 editions
of ASHRAE 90.1 and between the 2006 and 2009 editions of
the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), and
then the changes from ASHRAE 90.1-2010 and IECC 2012
to the latest editions, brought about a generation of chang-
es, bringing new requirements for air barriers, building-
pressurization testing, plug-load controls, commissioning,
decreased window-to-wall ratio, and more. It’s all catching
designers unaware and reinforces the need for educating
both design teams and owners to better understand the
code requirements and associated costs. The prescriptive
path for compliance has gotten so onerous and difficult
to adhere to that most of our projects are following the
performance path.
Read more at
www.csemag.com about:
n Automation and controls
n Electrical/lighting/power
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n HVAC
n Sustainable buildings/energy efficiency.

input #11 at www.csemag.com/information 16 Consulting-Specifying Engineer • JUNE 2017

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 Codes & Standards
How NFPA 99-2015 changes
affect mechanical design
NFPA 99-2015 has a few changes that mechanical engineers
should pay close attention to.
BY MIKE ZORICH, PE, LEED AP; IMEG Corp., Rock Island, Ill.
N
FPA 99: Health Care Facilities Code
applies to all health care facilities other
than home care. The code is intended for
professionals involved in the design, construc-
tion, maintenance, and inspection of health care
facilities in addition to the design, manufacture,
and testing of appliances and equipment used in
patient-care rooms of the health care facilities.
NFPA 99-2015 continues to build upon the
risk-based categories established in the 2012 edi-
tion. As many health care designers are aware,
the 2012 edition of NFPA 99 experienced a
major overhaul. The intent of the upgrade was
to elevate NFPA 99-2012 from a standard to a
code, allowing it to be incorporated into a local
jurisdiction’s code by itself instead of being ref-
erenced from NFPA 101: Life Safety Code.
The 2012 edition eliminated all previous occu-
pancy-based chapters and replaced them with
Chapter 4: Fundamentals, which established risk
categories 1 through 4. The change meant NFPA
99 would no longer be applied based upon the
name of an occupied space, but rather applied
based upon a risk category. Unchanged in the
2015 edition, the risk category is determined
by the impact of system failure on patients and
caregivers within a facility space. The higher the
risk to occupants in the event of system loss, the
stricter the requirements to ensure the system
is not lost.
While the overall structure and majority of
the content remain the same between the 2012
and 2015 NFPA 99 editions, slight modifica-
tions have been made throughout the code in
the latest version. The changes in the 2015 edi-
tion that are of most importance to a health care
mechanical designer appear in Chapter 5: Gas
www.csemag.com
and Vacuum Systems; Chapter 7: Information
Technology and Communications Systems; and Learning
Chapter 9: HVAC. Chapter 8: Plumbing, which objectives
was added in the 2012 edition of NFPA 99 with  Identify major changes to
the intent that it be used to support the local the 2015 edition of NFPA 99:
plumbing codes for health care facilities, has not Health Care Facilities Code
been modified in the 2015 edition. that impact mechanical
designers.
 Learn to build upon the
Chapter 5: Gas and vacuum systems
risk-based approach of NFPA
As in the 2012 edition, NFPA 99-2015 divides 99 when designing hospitals
Chapter 5 into three sections corresponding to and health care facilities.
Category 1, Category 2, and Category 3 systems.
Category 1 systems are the most critical and
are required to be available continuously for
patient life support, even during the loss of nor-
mal power sources or failure of other hospital
systems. It is important to note that Chapter 5
does not include a Category 4 system (no impact
on patients) because a failure of a gas and vac-
uum system would have at least some impact
on the patient. The minimum risk level for a
gas and vacuum system, therefore, is Category
3 (failure may cause discomfort).
NFPA 99-2015 adds new criteria in Chapter 5
to help define a Category 1, Category 2, and Cat-
egory 3 piped gas and vacuum system. The intent
of the change is to ensure that when a facility
is performing a risk assessment as defined in
Chapter 4, the risk assessment is not being used
to lower the level of safety. For example, prior to
the 2015 edition, it may have been possible for a
facility performing a risk assessment to define a
medical-gas system as Category 2 even though
deep sedation was administered to the patient.
Because of the changes to the 2015 code, this
situation would now be required to be classified
as Category 1.
Consulting-Specifying Engineer • JUNE 2017 19
 Codes & Standards
of the emergency
oxygen-supply con-
nection referenced
in Section 5.1.3.5.15.
This section remains
unchanged from the
2012 edition.
Figure 1: Section 5.1.3.5.7, Auxiliary Source Connec-
tion, states that all medical-gas source systems be pro-
vided with an auxiliary source connection point of the
same size as the main line, located on the patient side
of the source valve. The section further stipulates that
the connection consists of a tee and a normally closed
secured valve. All graphics courtesy: IMEG Corp.
The added language
in Chapter 5 of the 2015 edition is to Section 5.1.9.2.3, Master Medical
be used in addition to the risk-category Gas Alarm, was revised to differentiate
definitions in Chapter 4 when conduct- between the wired and wireless com-
ing the risk assessment of a facility’s gas munication between the two mandatory
and vacuum systems. master alarm panels and the initiating
Other updates in Chapter 5 affect stor- device. Under either wired or wireless
age temperatures, auxiliary-source con- communication, the intent of the code
nections, master medical-gas alarms, and remains unchanged: that should one of
instrument air. the mandatory master alarm panels fail,
For all three categories of medical-gas its failure does not disable any signal on
systems under section 5.1.3.2.12, the the other mandatory master alarm panel.
2015 code changed the maximum storage NFPA 99-2015 also has added a dedi-
temperature of gas cylinders from 130° cated section for instrument air under
to 125°F to match the Compressed Gas Section 5.1.13, Category Support Gases.
Association recommendations. Under This section was added to avoid the confu-
section 5.1.3.2.13, the 2015 edition also sion between nitrogen, which is a medical
has modified the minimum storage tem- gas, and instrument air, which is a support
perature for nitrous oxide and carbon gas. Instrument air is not mandated to be
dioxide cylinders from -20° to 20°F. provided, but when it is provided, it shall
Section 5.1.3.5.7, Auxiliary Source comply with the requirements of NFPA 99.
Connection, was added in the 2015 edi- Furthermore, when support equip-
tion for medical-gas systems. The section ment, such as operating room booms
states, “All source systems shall be pro- or control panels, require gas to oper-
vided with an auxiliary source connec- ate, a facility has the option of providing
tion point of the same size as the main either instrument air or nitrogen. How-
line, which shall be located immediately ever, because it is uncommon and usu-
on the patient side of the source valve.” ally unnecessary for a facility to use both
The section further stipulates that the an instrument air system and a nitrogen
connection shall consist of a tee and system, NFPA 99 recommends a decision
a normally closed secured valve (see be made to use the one system that best
Figure 1). The intent of this addition meets the facility’s needs.
is to provide a facility with a simpler
and safer means to change out service Chapter 7: Information technology
equipment. It is important to note that and communications systems
this additional source requirement does NFPA 99-2015 introduces one change
not modify or remove the requirements of importance to mechanical designers
20 Consulting-Specifying Engineer • JUNE 2017
in Chapter 7, which was added in the
2012 edition and is divided into three
risk categories.
The change alters restrictions for the
routing of utilities through a Category 1
telecom entrance facility (EF) and tech-
nology equipment room (TER). The 2015
edition eliminates the 2012 requirement
that underground utilities, such as elec-
trical, water, gas, and sewer, could not
be located below a Category 1 EF. As in
2012, however, Sections 7.3.1.2.1.4 and
7.3.1.2.2.4 of the 2015 edition continue
to stipulate that mechanical equipment of
any kind that does not directly serve the
TER or EF shall not be installed in, pass
through, or enter the space. (This type
of restriction is similar to those found in
the international codes for nonessential
utilities routed within egress stairwells or
elevator machine rooms.)
Chapter 7 also maintains the require-
ment that an EF or TER must have
a positive pressure differential with
respect to surrounding areas. Under the
“environmental requirements” in Sec-
tion 7.3.1.2.1.8, a designer must provide
a means for maintaining a positive air
pressure relationship for the technology
space. Attention must be paid to ensure
this pressure relationship is maintained
when dedicated terminal heat-transfer
units are provided (see Figure 2).
Chapter 9: HVAC
Unlike chapters 5 and 7, the HVAC
section does not define systems based
upon a risk category. The section requires
each facility to perform a risk assessment
to assign a risk category in accordance
with Sections 4.1 and 4.2. Similar to the
2012 edition, NFPA 99-2015 is written
with the intent that the risk category
assigned to each HVAC system serving
a space is independent of the risk cat-
egory applied to other systems serving
the same space.
For example, a central sterile supply
located at a health care facility in Dal-
las may assign a risk category of 3 to the
heating system serving the department,
but assign a risk category of 2 to the cool-
ing system. Assigning Category 3 to the
www.csemag.com
heating system may be justified because, noted in Chapter 4, Section 4.2. The sec- that removes the requirement for smoke
while the failure of the heating system tion does not specify the type of assess- purge for HVAC systems in anesthetizing
may cause discomfort for the staff, its ment the facility should conduct, but locations.
failure is unlikely to cause injury. Assign- only states the assessment be a defined Prior to the 2012 edition, NFPA 99
ing Category 2 for the cooling system procedure that is documented. required that anesthetizing locations be
also would be reasonable because, should A major change in Section 9.3.1.3 of served by an HVAC system capable of
it fail, the inability to control humidity the 2015 edition is very clear language removing smoke from the room without
within the department may result in the
failure of sterile products, which could
cause minor injury to patients.
Chapter 5 points out that the facility
has the responsibility for developing the
risk assessment for its HVAC system.
This allows flexibility in assigning risk to
mechanical systems based on their spe-
cific equipment and their associated risk.
The code’s intent is to not burden facili-
ties with mandates on redundancy or
major equipment upgrades. The process
and the documentation for the HVAC
system must be done by the facility as

Figure 2: Chapter 7 of NFPA 99-2015

maintains the requirement that an
entrance facility or technology equip-
ment room must have a positive pres-
sure differential with respect to sur-
rounding areas. Attention must be paid
to ensure this pressure relationship is
maintained when a dedicated terminal
heat-transfer unit (at right) is provided.

JUNE 2017 21 input #14 at www.csemag.com/information

 Codes & Standards
recirculating it through the system or return-
ing it to the room it serves. This requirement
added extra cost and complexity as designers
specified smoke purge on any air-handling
system that served anesthetizing locations,
such as an operating room or catheteriza-
tion lab. The smoke-purge system control
sequence was such that if smoke was detect-
ed within the anesthetizing location, the air-
handling system would go to 100% outside
air, therefore relieving all air to the exterior
and eliminating any opportunity for the
smoke-filled air to be recirculated through
the system or returned to the room it serves.
In northern climates, which commonly
experience below-freezing temperatures,
additional heating capacity is typically
added to the air-handling system. Should
the air-handling system experience a
smoke-purge occurrence when outside-air
temperatures are below freezing, the addi-
tional heating capacity is used to ensure
the cold air is not distributed through the
space and does not cause damage.
input #15 at www.csemag.com/information
While the 2012 edition of NFPA 99
removed the requirement for smoke purge
in anesthetizing locations, its deletion led
to confusion in the industry as designers
debated whether the removal was intention-
al. The 2015 edition has ended the debate by
clarifying that smoke purge in anesthetizing
locations is no longer required. The require-
ment for smoke purge in anesthetizing
locations was established years ago when
the use of flammable anesthetics was com-
mon in operating rooms and, therefore, the
fire hazard was much higher. With today’s
usage of nonflammable anesthetics, the
fire hazard has been reduced, resulting in
the definitive removal of the smoke-purge
requirement in the 2015 edition.
Another change in Chapter 9 is the
consolidation of Section 9.3.9, Emergen-
cy Power System Room. The 2012 edition
included several paragraphs copied from
NFPA 110: Standard for Emergency and
Standby Power Systems. The 2015 edition
has removed these paragraphs and simply
states that all HVAC systems serving the
emergency power system room shall be
compliant to NFPA 110.
The 2015 edition of NFPA 99 did not
experience major structural or content
changes, but has made modifications to
build upon the risk-based approach estab-
lished in the 2012 edition. Due to NFPA 99’s
application to a wide range of infrastruc-
ture, equipment, and design approaches
for a health care facility, it is, therefore,
critical for mechanical engineers to review
the entire 2015 edition to have a complete
understanding of the code’s latest require-
ments.
Mike Zorich is a client executive and leads
one of IMEG Corp.’s health care design
groups. He has served as a project man-
ager and lead mechanical engineer for a
wide variety of health care facilities and is
adept at system concept and design for new
greenfield hospitals, renovations, expan-
sions, and infrastructure upgrades.
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The 2017 Product of the Year results will appear in print and online September 2017
 Codes & Standards
Applying NFPA 99
to health care facilities
The impact of applying NFPA 99: Health Care Facilities
Code to hospitals and health care facilities varies depending
on the level of care provided.
BY CHRIS MORAN, PE; ERIC ROSENBAUM, PE; and
AJAY PRASAD, PE; JENSEN HUGHES, Baltimore
N
FPA 99: Health Care Facilities Code
identifies criteria applicable to health
care facilities including hospitals and
nursing homes. The impact of applying NFPA
99 to health care facilities varies depending on
the level of care provided. NFPA 99-2015 is the
latest edition, but there are few changes from the
2012 edition focused on fire protection other
than editorial revisions. NFPA 99-2012 is more
widely used due to its adoption by the Centers
for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Edi-
tions prior to the 2012 edition of NFPA 99 were
limited in their application since they were not
individually adopted by CMS. However, limited
portions of NFPA 99-1999 were referenced by
applicable CMS criteria. Changes to NFPA 99
from earlier editions to both the 2012 and 2015
editions will be discussed as they apply to fire
protection and life safety, with changes specific
to the 2015 edition identified in each section.
NFPA 99 has taken on a new level of impor-
tance in the past year due to the CMS issuance of
CMS-3277-F, Medicare and Medicaid Programs;
Fire Safety Requirements for Certain Health Care
Facilities. The rule revised 42 CFR Parts 403, 416,
418, 460, 482, 483, and 485, which address pro-
gram requirements for hospitals, long-term care
facilities, ambulatory surgical centers, and others.
The final rule became effective July 5, 2016, with
enforcement beginning Nov. 1, 2016. As part of
this rule, CMS adopted the 2012 editions of NFPA
99 and NFPA 101: Life Safety Code along with all
associated tentative interim amendments (TIAs)
issued prior to April 16, 2014. CMS reviews the
www.csemag.com
fire and life safety provisions of the final rule
through Form 2786, with K-Tags (deficiency
Learning
number identifiers) starting with 900 being those
objectives
applicable to NFPA 99 requirements.  Identify major changes to
NFPA 99 consists of 15 chapters, from general the 2015 edition of NFPA 99:
building requirements to criteria that affect the Health Care Facilities Code
that impact fire protection
various building systems including fire protec- engineers.
tion systems. CMS does not require compli-
 Determine the impact of
ance with chapters 7 (information technology NFPA 99 on hospitals and
systems), 8 (plumbing systems), 12 (emergency health care facilities.
management), and 13 (security management), as  Learn about NFPA 99’s
these chapters were not adopted in the final rule. adoption by the Centers for
CMS has enacted an emergency-preparedness Medicare & Medicaid Services
rule (CMS-3178-F) in lieu of adopting Chapter (CMS) and how it affects fire
and life safety requirements.
12, whereby compliance with the emergency-
NFPA 99 has taken on a new level of importance
in the past year due to the CMS issuance of CMS-
3277-F, Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Fire Safety
Requirements for Certain Health Care Facilities.
preparedness rule is required by Nov. 16, 2017.
Where local jurisdictions do not require compli-
ance with NFPA 99, the excluded chapters noted
provide pertinent information in regards to
designing and maintaining the building systems
and could be used as a reference.
The risk assessment in NFPA 99
One of the changes to NFPA 99-2012 and later
editions is the move to a risk-based approach
Consulting-Specifying Engineer • JUNE 2017 25
 Codes & Standards
for determining applicable requirements include cooling systems in the south-
rather than the former prescriptive ern U.S., resident emergency-call sys-
approach based on facility type. NFPA 99 tems, heating systems in the northern
now requires a risk assessment to deter- U.S., and lighting or potable water in
mine the applicable risk category for each patient-care areas. Category 2 systems
building system. The risk category is then are likely to be found in general-care
applied to chapters 5 through 11 of NFPA rooms, such as inpatient bedrooms and
99 as appropriate for the system. The main dialysis rooms.
focus is seen in Chapter 5 (gas and vac-  Category 3—Systems in which fail-
uum systems) and Chapter 6 (electrical ure is unlikely to cause injury. Failure of
systems). Although this requirement has the system does not have an immediate
caused concern, the process can be simple impact on patients or their safety. Exam-
since the failure of the system is assumed ples might include cooling systems in the
without human intervention. Each build- northern U.S., lighting and potable-water
ing system is to be categorized into one of systems outside of patient-care areas and
the following four categories: plumbing/sanitary systems. Category 3
 Category 1—Systems in which failure systems are likely to be found in basic-care
is likely to cause major injury or death. rooms, such as treatment or exam rooms.
Systems are required to be available at all  Category 4—Systems in which failure
times to support patient needs. Examples has no impact on patient care. Examples
might include life-support ventilation might include lawn sprinklers, television
equipment, emergency power for oper- service, and the public-address system.
ating rooms, and medical-gas systems in Category 4 systems are likely to be found
intensive care units. Category 1 systems in support rooms, such as waiting rooms
are likely to be found in intensive care and lounges.
units, operating rooms, delivery rooms, The risk assessment is required to be
and areas dealing with general anesthesia. performed by following and document-
 Category 2—Systems in which ing a defined process, as described in
failure is likely to cause minor injury. NFPA 551: Guide for the Evaluation of
Systems are expected to provide a high Fire Risk Assessments or ISO/IEC 31010:
level of reliability; however, limited fail- Risk Management – Risk Assessment
ures can be tolerated without significant Techniques. The process can be as sim-
impact on patients. Examples might ple as depicted in Figure 1. The process
Will major injury
Yes CATEGORY 1
System loss
or death occur?
No
Will minor
Yes CATEGORY 2
injury occur?
No
Will discomfort
CATEGORY 4 No Yes CATEGORY 3
occur?
Figure 1: This flowchart illustrates a simple qualitative risk assessment approach
based on yes/no answers to the level of patient and caregiver impact. All graphics
courtesy: JENSEN HUGHES
26 Consulting-Specifying Engineer • JUNE 2017
identified in Figure 1 is a qualitative
approach based on yes or no answers for
each building system’s impact. It does not
address the probability of failure similarly
to that used in NFPA 551 nor require in-
depth knowledge of the systems and pos-
sible failures. It is important that those
performing the assessment are knowl-
edgeable in the procedures, equipment,
and systems being evaluated. Appropriate
personnel could include building engi-
neers, caregivers, and administrators.
Documentation of the risk assessment
should include the risk assessment pro-
cess used, all participants of the assess-
ment, and all systems with assigned risk
categories. CMS does not require the
risk assessment to be submitted, but it
is required to be kept on-site and avail-
able at the time of the survey. K-Tag 901
is used to cite a missing risk assessment.
NFPA 99-2015 notes that the risk assess-
ment does not have to be performed for
any system assigned a Category 1 classifi-
cation. Category 1 systems have the most
stringent requirements; therefore, docu-
mentation is only required for those sys-
tems in lower-risk categories to show that
those systems are appropriately assigned.
Existing facilities
Existing facilities will not see major
changes with the application of NFPA
99-2015 with the exception of inspection,
testing, and maintenance (ITM) require-
ments. In general, existing building sys-
tems are permitted to remain, even if they
are not in strict compliance with the code,
unless the authority having jurisdiction
(AHJ) determines that their continued use
constitutes a distinct hazard to life. This
allowance of existing systems provides a
basis that existing facilities do not have
to upgrade their medical-gas/vacuum,
electrical, and HVAC systems, along with
other utility infrastructure, to meet the
requirements of the new edition. The
wording of this requirement leaves the
AHJ with latitude to potentially require
updates to building systems, such that
facilities should review the status of their
systems conservatively to ensure that
no surprises occur during inspections.
www.csemag.com
When systems are replaced, the systems manual pull station where the fire alarm NFPA 99-2015 states that in facilities
may need to meet the requirements for system monitors and activates automati- with a defend-in-place response to a fire,
new systems as noted in the applicable cally upon sprinkler waterflow or smoke the fire alarm and sprinkler zones should
code(s). At the beginning of several chap- detection. The local fire code may not coincide with the smoke compartments of
ters, including chapters 5 and 6, the code include this exception, and the more strin- the facility unless otherwise specified in the
specifies which criteria are applicable to gent approach should be applied between facility fire plan. Notification signals pro-
existing facilities. It is important that each the applicable codes. vided through the fire alarm system should
facility identify which requirements are
applicable, especially those relating to
ITM, to ensure compliance with the code.
Where a building has a mixture of new
and old systems due to alterations and More hot water
renovations, the determination of appli-
cable requirements becomes more com-
for less money
plex, and it is important that the basis for
the determination is well-documented.
for a very long time.
NFPA 99 requirements You might even call it “a perfect fusion
Chapter 15 of NFPA 99 contains the of heat transfer and corrosion engineering.”
fire protection requirements applicable

POWER VTX
to new and existing facilities. Most of the
®
fire protection and life safety require-
ments are not specifically included in
CONDENSING WATER HEATER
this chapter, but references are made to
other NFPA codes including: ®
ENGINEERED DUPLEX ALLOY

n Facilities that contain laboratories

using chemicals
n The storage and handling of
flammable and combustible liq-
uids or gases
n Elevators and emergency or
standby power systems. Tank and heat exchanger are
fabricated entirely of AquaPLEX
NFPA 99 also relies on NFPA 101, or 15-YEAR duplex stainless steel. Fully
the fire code enforced by the local AHJ, TANK and HEAT EXCHANGER pickle-passivated, it requires no
CORROSION WARRANTY linings or anodes of any type.
for building construction and com-
partmentation, fire alarm and smoke-
detection systems, and fire suppression
▪ 95.5% to 95.8% thermal efficiency
systems. This language was revised from
NFPA 99-2012 to state “applicable code” ▪ Full burner modulation enables precise temperature control
in lieu of listing the various building and under varying flow conditions and improves efficiency to 99%
fire code possibilities. ▪ 500,000 • 750,000 and 1,000,000 Btuh models
NFPA 99-2015 specifies additional cri-
teria for fire alarm systems in addition to ▪ Moderately sized tank provides hot water during low demand
with minimal burner cycling. Extremely low standby losses
those required by NFPA 101 or the local
fire code. The majority of requirements ▪ Electronic, touch-screen operating control with Modbus.
in Section 15.7 are referenced from NFPA Includes plain-text status, diagnostics, firing rate
101, and the requirements are reiterated indication and history. Protocol gateways available
for clarity. Each facility should confirm
that these requirements do not con- www.pvi.com
tradict those within the local fire code.
For example, NFPA 99 permits a single

JUNE 2017 27 input #16 at www.csemag.com/information

Codes & Standards
identify the floor and zone within the build- Signaling Code, is permitted within the occupants who are not responsible in the
ing so that it is clear where a staff response health care and ambulatory health care implementation of the fire safety plan.
is required to support patient evacuation. areas of the facility. In private operat- Additionally, critical care areas are per-
Zoning these systems together simplifies ing mode, audible and visible signals are mitted to have visible notification in lieu
the process of providing accurate informa- only required to notify those persons of audible notification based on patient
tion during a fire event. who implement the fire-safety plan. concerns. Similarly, visible signals are
Private operating mode, as defined Direct notification through the fire not required inside surgical operating
in NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm and alarm system is not required for building rooms, patient sleeping rooms, or psy-
chiatric-care areas where the flashing
Table 1: NFPA 72 ITM frequency changes could interfere with patient treatment.
Component NFPA 25, 2011 edition NFPA 25, 2014 edition Other areas are also permitted to remove
INSPEC TIONS strobe coverage where the facility fire
plan requires staff to respond.
Gauges
Weekly/monthly Weekly/quarterly Automatic sprinklers are typically
(dry/preaction/deluge)
Gauges (wet) Monthly Quarterly
required in all new health care occu-
pancies as defined by NFPA 101. NFPA
Heat trace None previously Per manufacturer
99-2015 permits sprinklers to be omit-
TESTING ted from certain closets in patient sleep-
Sprinklers (harsh ing rooms and in hospital areas that are
None previously 5 years
environments)
smaller than 6 sq ft. When introduced
Air leakage in prior editions of NFPA 99, this provi-
None previously 3 years
(preaction/dry)
sion was not yet recognized in NFPA 13:
Table 1. This table is a summary of NFPA 25 ITM frequency changes from the 2011 Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler
edition to the 2014 edition. Systems; however, this requirement has

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 Table 2. NFPA 72 ITM frequency changes
Component NFPA 72-2010 NFPA 72-2013
Inspec tIons
now been incorporated into the latest Fuses, LeDs, interfaced
equipment of control none previously Annually
editions of NFPA 13 and NFPA 101. This
equipment
exception is limited to hospitals due to
transmitters to
the relative light fuel load of their small supervising stations
semiannually Annually
closets and does not apply to other facili-
Voice/alarm equipment semiannually Annually
ties, such as nursing homes, due to the
Area of refuge two-way
much higher concentration of combus- none previously Annually
communication system
tibles typically found. NFPA 99 also per-
testIng
mits hose and hose outlets that are not
required by the applicable local building supervisory signal
Monthly/semiannually Annually
devices
and fire codes to be removed.
Rooms that contain compact, movable Table 2. This table is a summary of NFPA 72 ITM frequency changes from the 2010
storage units with an area greater than edition to the 2013 edition.
50 sq ft are required to be protected as
hazardous areas per NFPA 101. In addi- include training on fire hazards within ments have changed in NFPA 99-2015.
tion, NFPA 99 requires smoke detection the space, development of emergency Updates to NFPA 99 include refer-
and automatic sprinkler protection for procedures, and regular updates to the ences to other codes that incorporate
these rooms. Additional requirements procedures and plans in place. additional requirements. Section 15.12
are also provided for facilities with oper- states that NFPA 25: Standard for the
ating rooms. The primary takeaway of Inspection, testing, and maintenance Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance
requirements applicable to operating While most facilities have a pro- of Water-Based Fire Protection Sys-
rooms is that formal procedures and cedure in place to inspect, test, and tems is required to be followed for all
training need to be in place for all per- maintain their fire systems, be aware water-based fire protection systems
sonnel who work in the area. This would that the frequencies of these require- while non-water-based systems shall

input #18 at www.csemag.com/information

 Codes & Standards
be maintained in accordance with the
applicable standard. Inadequate mainte-
nance of fire protection systems, such as
fire alarms, fire extinguishers, and auto-
matic sprinklers, is one of the most fre-
quent CMS-identified deficiency types.
Another common deficiency identified
is lack of appropriate documentation
that maintenance has been performed.
These common deficiencies are eas-
ily remedied but require the facility to
understand the current requirements
and responsibility to maintain proper
documentation.
Inadequate maintenance of fire protection
systems, such as fire alarms, fire extinguishers,
and automatic sprinklers, is one of the most
frequent CMS-identified deficiency types.
Many requirements have been updat-
ed in NFPA 25 from earlier editions,
including several new additions to the
2014 edition (as referenced by NFPA
99-2015). Table 1 includes a summary of
these changes with some specific exam-
ples including heat-trace inspections and
air-leakage tests for dry systems. Addi-
tional changes were incorporated into
the 2011 edition of NFPA 99 and should
be reviewed by facilities following CMS
requirements.
The frequency of ITM requirements
for NFPA 72 have also changed in
the latest edition referenced by NFPA
99-2015. Relevant changes to health care
facilities are identified in Table 2. The
general trend with these changes is that
the frequency of inspections and testing
decreases, but additional requirements
are added as technology changes or pre-
vious issues are identified.
Portable fire extinguishers are
required to be selected, installed, and
maintained in accordance with NFPA
10: Standard for Portable Fire Extin-
guishers, 2013 edition. This is consis-
tent with NFPA 101 and typical fire
code requirements. No major changes
occurred in the ITM requirements for
portable fire extinguishers from the pre-
vious edition. The hazards of the facility
should be evaluated when selecting fire
extinguishers. For example, a Class K
extinguisher is required within 30 ft of
any commercial kitchen appliances that
use combustible cooking media (oils and
fats). Additionally, spaces with MRI or

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input #19 at www.csemag.com/information

 Cottonwood Filter Screens
similar equipment should be provided with nonferrous com-
ponents due to the nature of the equipment when operating.
& Hail Guards
Additional guidance can be found in annexes A and D of With the Powerful Magna-Track™
NFPA 10-2013.
Magnetic Mounting System.
Power taps
The presence of multiple outlet connections (power taps) is NO Drills / No Screws / No Problem!
a consistent life safety issue with facilities due to the variety of
interpretations from AHJs. The requirement to provide a means
to keep additional devices or nonmedical equipment from
being connected to multiple outlet extensions after leakage
currents have been verified was removed from NFPA 99-2015
via TIA 1. Additional requirements regarding the leakage
current and touch currents of fixed and portable equipment,
respectively, have been relocated out of the testing section
and into the performance section for clarity and would still be
applicable for power tap use. NFPA 70-2014: National Electri-
cal Code, Article 517, describes the requirements for recep-
tacles in health care areas. Generally, if a power tap is used for
medical equipment or is located in the patient-care vicinity, it
must be a special-purpose relocatable power tap and comply
with UL 1363A or UL 60601-1.
The fire protection requirements in NFPA 99-2015 have not
changed significantly from NFPA 99-2012, but the 2015 edi-
tion does offer significant differences from the 1999 edition, Cottonwood Filter Screens & Hail-Master Mesh is
portions of which were previously used by facilities that follow now available with the “game changing” Magna-Track
CMS guidelines. These differences are important to recognize Magnetic Mounting System which makes installing
due to the regular surveys that occur. The two most notable Cottonwood Filter Screens and Hail-Master Mesh
fire and life safety differences apply to the requirement of a easier than ever before. Powerful Neodymium Rare
risk assessment and the changes in ITM requirements for the Earth Magnets, let you install filters and hail mesh in a
building and fire protection systems. matter of minutes without fear of drilling into
condenser coils or other sensitive components.
Chris Moran is a fire protection engineer at JENSEN HUGHES Mounting track is available in either PVC or Anodized
with 10 years of experience providing code-related consulting Aluminum and both include quick release twist-lock
support for health care clients’ life safety and fire protection
fasteners for easy removal of filter screens.
issues—including compliance with NFPA 101 and NFPA 99
as adopted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Cottonwood Filter Screens with their non-stick
coating, protects condenser coils by stopping airborne
Eric Rosenbaum is vice president at JENSEN HUGHES debris before it reaches the coils so they stay clean all-
with over 30 years of experience in fire safety. Rosenbaum season long. Cleaning Cottonwood Filter Screens
is also a fellow of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers instead of the condenser coils reduces wear and tear
and a member of NFPA’s Board of Directors. As a member
and risk of coil damage. Cleaning the filter screens is as
of the NFPA, he chaired NFPA 101’s technical committee on
easy as sweeping with a broom, brush, shop vacuum
fire protection features for 9 years. He is also on the NFPA
or garden hose – even the rain will rinse them clean.
technical committee for health care occupancies and techni-
cal correlating committee for NFPA 101, and member of the For More Information or, to Locate a Distributor Contact:
technical committee for board and care facilities for NFPA 101. input #20 at www.csemag.com/information

Ajay Prasad is a director for fire/life safety and accessibility

consulting services for JENSEN HUGHES in the Mid-Atlantic
region. He has 23 years of experience in providing code con-
sulting services to health care clients including architects, engi- Toll Free -800-819-2869
neers, owners, facility managers and facility planners. www.airsolutioncompany.com
United States and Foreign Patents Granted – Protected under one or more of the following
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 Recovering waste
heat in buildings
Waste-heat recovery systems are increasingly used in buildings to move
waste heat from laboratories, data centers, or industrial activities to provide
beneficial heating in other parts of the building.
BY CORY DUGGIN, PE, LEED AP BD+C, BEMP; TLC Engineering for Architecture, Brentwood, Tenn.
Learning
objectives
 Know the basics of waste-
heat recovery.
 Learn the codes, standards,
and guidelines that provide
engineers with guidance in
designing waste-heat recov-
ery systems in buildings.
 Understand that recover-
ing waste heat becomes an
attractive option for facili-
ties working to achieve low
energy use (such as in high-
performance buildings) and
to reduce emissions.
5
tips for using
energy recovery
 Check what is required by code.
 Specify a bypass with air-side energy
recovery.
 Size heat-recovery chillers to run continu-
ously at full load.
 Zone variable refrigerant flow systems to
take maximum advantage of heat recovery.
 Use energy models to determine the most
efficient heat-recovery strategy.
32 Consulting-Specifying Engineer • JUNE 2017
S
pace heating is the single largest
energy end use in most build-
ing types. The surprising fact
is there is a lot of waste heat
that goes unused. Hospitals
and laboratories are two of the high-
est energy-use-intensity building types.
Regardless as to whether a conventional
hospital or lab is in Miami or New York
City, the largest single energy consum-
er is the heating plant. This is because
the heating load in hospitals and labs is
largely reheat, which is not a climate-
dependent load. Traditional, centralized
HVAC systems with code-required air-
change rates typically use reheat to keep
the spaces comfortable. Any heat that can
be recovered in these building types can
be used to reduce the heating energy.
For many engineers, their first foray
into heat-recovery comes as a result of
a code requirement. ASHRAE Standard
90.1: Energy Standard for Buildings
Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings
and the International Energy Conser-
vation Code (IECC) both have require-
ments for heat recovery. The most strin-
gent being the mandatory requirement
of energy-recovery ventilation (ERV)
systems in the 2012 and 2015 versions
of the IECC.
For example, a system with 35% out-
side air at maximum flow that has greater
than or equal to 5,500 cfm total supply is
required to have an ERV in climate zones
1A, 2A, 3A, 4A, 5A, and 6A under the
2012 and 2015 IECC. (The 2015 IECC
clarifies it further by separating systems
that operate greater than and less than
8,000 hours/year.)
ASHRAE 90.1’s ERV requirement is
similar but prescriptive, which means
the performance path allows the ERV
performance to be made up in other
systems. The other most common code-
required heat recovery is a prescriptive
requirement introduced in ASHRAE
90.1-1999 and the 2003 IECC, which is
applied for recovering condenser heat of
water-cooled systems to preheat service
hot water in 24-hour facilities or provide
reheat (via an exception). This require-
ment has remained in all subsequent ver-
sions of ASHRAE 90.1 and the IECC.
The first step in any design process
is to focus on reducing the load before
employing technologies to serve the load
or offset energy consumption. Reducing
the load saves on first cost and lifecycle
cost, whereas systems used to just reduce
energy consumption add to the first cost
while reducing lifecycle cost. Energy
models may be used to compare load-
reduction strategies early in design.
Defining waste-heat recovery
Waste-heat recovery is using any heat
that would otherwise be wasted. There
www.csemag.com
Figure 1: The Vanderbilt University Engineering and Science Building is a 230,000-sq-ft
interdisciplinary research and teaching building in Nashville, Tenn., that houses
research labs, a clean room, classrooms, and the Wond’ry, Vanderbilt’s new
innovation center. The building uses air-side heat recovery as one of the
elements to achieve 30% energy-cost savings compared to ASHRAE
Standard 90.1-2007. It has been designed to achieve Gold
certification under LEED-NC v2009. All graphics
courtesy: TLC Engineering for Architecture

www.csemag.com Consulting-Specifying Engineer • JUNE 2017 33

 Recovering waste heat in buildings
are several media within building sys-
tems from which heat can be recovered:
 Air
 Water
 Refrigerant.
Air heat-recovery systems are most often
employed to preheat and/or precool ven-
tilation air to reduce the load. Some heat-
recovery ventilators, often also referred to
as ERVs, have wheels that spin between two
airstreams to transfer heat. Others have
cross-flow static cores. The three main
types of wheels are enthalpy (also known as
total energy), sensible-only, and desiccant.
Enthalpy wheels transfer both sensible and
latent heat between the airstreams. These
often use the building exhaust air as the
second airstream. Sensible-only wheels
preheat/cool but don’t provide any transfer
of moisture between airstreams.
The primary purpose of desiccant
wheels is to reduce the dew point of the
supply air by removing moisture and
heating it. They are made of a hygroscop-
ic material, such as silica gel or lithium
chloride, that adsorbs moisture from the
supply airstream and rejects the moisture
via a hot regeneration airstream to the
ambient. Cross-flow heat-recovery cores
work similar to enthalpy wheels, but the
airstreams flow in an X pattern separated
by static plates of heat-transfer media.
Static cores can be enthalpy or sensible-
only depending on the heat-transfer
media used for the plates.
Mechanical codes don’t allow heat
recovery from exhaust that is considered
hazardous. Run-around coils and heat
pipes can both be used to recover heat
from contaminated airstreams because
both allow for completely separate air-
streams without the possibility of any
cross-contamination. A run-around coil
uses two coils connected by pipe with a
pump to circulate a heat-transfer fluid,
which is often a glycol brine in cold cli-
mates. Another advantage specific to
the run-around coil is it allows the two
airstreams to be much farther apart, but
pumping energy is required and results
in piping heat loss. Newer versions of
run-around loops that integrate the
heating- and cooling-water systems and
sophisticated controls have improved
the performance of run-around loops.
Heat pipes work similar to run-
around coils, but use refrigerant as the
heat-transfer medium. This allows the
pumping energy to be eliminated by the
phase change of the refrigerant. Heat
pipes are more limited in their arrange-
ment as compared with run-around
coils, though. All of these air-side heat-
recovery technologies can be used in
multiple configurations. For instance,
a heat pipe or run-around coil can be
set up to precool air before it enters
the cooling coil and transfer that heat
to after the cooling coil for free reheat.
Some units even have two wheels, where

CASE STUDY: University heat-recovery system

T
he Vanderbilt University Engineering Science Building (VU ESB) contains Instead, the team elected to use a desiccant wheel in series with a CHW
dry and wet research labs, a clean room, and classrooms. The labs coil on the primary 42°F CHW loop. This allowed for the elimination of the
and clean room are the predominant building uses and most energy- dedicated glycol chiller and reduced the heating and cooling energy needed
intensive spaces. A primary goal established at the beginning of design was to maintain the clean room conditions.
to have a flexible HVAC system that would minimize reheat. The smaller classroom and gathering areas are served with a standard VAV
The base HVAC system used for comparison was a chilled-water (CHW) system with return air. The lab areas of the building are 100% OA with ACB.
variable air volume (VAV) system with hot-water (HW) reheat. Because the Since the need for reheat in the labs had already been minimized via system
labs had a minimum air-change requirement and the clean room had a mini- selection, the focus for employing waste-heat recovery moved to precooling/
mum air-recirculation requirement, fan energy was heating the large volume of required OA.
the highest energy end use rather than heating; When designing air-side When designing air-side heat-recovery systems
however, it was a close second. heat-recovery systems for labs and hospitals, there is always concern
An energy model was used to approximate the about what exhaust air is safe for heat recovery.
annual energy use of the building with the base
for labs and hospitals, In hospitals, there is potentially hazardous air from
VAV system and active chilled beams (ACB) for there is always concern about isolation rooms, soiled storage, and emergency
the labs. ACBs allow for zone heating and cooling what exhaust air is safe for waiting rooms, to name a few. No one wants
control, which reduces reheat. The only reheat that to potentially contaminate the OA by recovering
heat recovery.
occurs with an ACB is when the zone has no need heat and/or moisture from those spaces. In a lab
for cooling and the primary air must be reheated. This same approach is being building like the VU ESB, air from the exhaust hoods is the major airstream
applied in some health care facilities by reducing primary air-change rates. of concern. It was decided that the hood exhaust would not go through the
The clean room is served by a make-up air unit (MAU) dedicated to main- heat-recovery device. Beyond the fear of contamination, certain chemicals
taining strict humidity limits coupled with recirculation units to continuously could also damage the heat-recovery media.
filter the air. The MAU takes preconditioned outside air (OA) from the lab An enthalpy wheel was chosen for the main lab DOAS because of its ability
dedicated outside-air system (DOAS), lowers the dew point to 40°F, and to precool and dehumidify the OA in the summer months while preheating and
reheats it to 65°F. The typical brute-force method would require a dedicated humidifying the OA in the winter months, and any fume hood exhaust would
glycol chiller to produce extra-cold CHW to reduce the dew point and then not be available to the heat-recovery system. Being in Climate Zone 4A, the
reheat it with HW. enthalpy wheel would have a positive effect year-round. The main piece of

34 Consulting-Specifying Engineer • JUNE 2017 www.csemag.com

 Heat exchanger
Outside air

an enthalpy wheel is used to precool and

dehumidify the air before the cooling
coil and a sensible-only wheel is used to
Exhaust air
reheat the air after the cooling coil but
before any heating coils.
The sensible-only wheel could be
used second in sequence with a supply- Figure 2: The most common air-side heat-recovery arrangement is a single wheel
air temperature (SAT) reset to reduce between outside air and exhaust air.
reheat. SAT resets are required by code
but often aren’t effective in labs and hos-
pitals because a critical zone forces the Cooling coil
system to stay at the minimum SAT.
Water or hydronic heat-recovery sys- Outside air
tems reuse heat produced by the cooling
process that would be rejected by a cool-
ing tower or condenser. Depending on the
building systems and their relative loads,
the recovered heat could be used to pre-
heat a low-temperature heating hot-water
Exhaust air
loop or a service hot-water loop. Not only
does this reduce the heating energy need- Enthalpy Sensible
ed, but it also reduces the cooling tower
fan energy used to reject the heat as well Figure 3: When neutral supply air is desired, dual-wheel air-side heat recovery can be
as condenser pump energy. implemented, which uses a second sensible-only wheel for reheat.

analysis was to determine whether a dual-wheel system would yield lower The other negative factor of a potential second wheel is it only
energy consumption than a single-wheel arrangement. provides benefit in cooling mode. The second wheel doesn’t turn when
ACB systems are often designed with the primary air delivered at a neutral the unit is in heating mode, but the pressure-drop penalty still exists. A
temperature, one that provides little heating or cooling effect because it is bypass could be incorporated to remove the wheel from the airstream to
close to the space’s set points. In cooling mode, a dual-wheel arrangement remove the pressure-drop penalty when the wheel wouldn’t be effective;
would allow the DOAS to reheat the primary air with recovered heat using a however, for large systems like those in the VU ESB, a bypass is very
second sensible-only wheel instead of HW. costly. Some smaller systems have bypasses as a standard feature,
The trade-off to adding an air-side heat-recovery device is always whether which can make the needed energy savings easier to achieve because
the amount of energy saved via preheating/cooling the fan penalty only has to be paid when energy
is enough to offset the increased fan energy that Energy codes are can be recovered.
results from the increased pressure drop, which hap- pushing more designs Even though the energy model showed
pens when moving the air through the heat-recovery lower energy consumption with the dual-wheel
to require waste-heat
equipment. An economizer bypass allows the air to arrangement supplying neutral air, the final
bypass the heat-recovery device when outdoor condi- recovery, whether it be via design used one wheel to assure there was
tions are suitable, which reduces wasted fan energy. air, water, or refrigerant. enough flexibility in the cooling capacity of the
The energy trade-off to make air-side heat recovery labs without increasing the number of ACB.
financially viable hinges on the utility rates. Where electricity rates are lower and The lab DOAS heat-recovery system resulted in an estimated savings of
gas rates are higher, the increase in fan energy due to the added static makes $47,200 and 7.85% energy per year as compared with the same system
less of a cost impact than the reduction in heating energy. The opposite is also without heat recovery. The clean room desiccant heat-recovery system also
true, especially when high-efficiency boiler systems are used. saved a substantial amount of energy, and its first cost was offset against
Through energy modeling, it was determined the single enthalpy wheel the cost of the now unnecessary glycol chiller.
energy savings were above and beyond the increase in fan energy. Interest- Waste-heat recovery systems may be incorporated in many ways. Energy
ingly, the determining factor as to whether the second sensible-only wheel codes are pushing more designs to require waste-heat recovery, whether it
would provide enough savings was the needed primary air temperature. The be via air, water, or refrigerant. At the end of the day, waste-heat recovery
second wheel would only provide benefit if cooling effect from the primary is effective because heat that would otherwise be squandered is being
air was not needed. used to reduce energy consumption.

www.csemag.com Consulting-Specifying Engineer • JUNE 2017 35

 Recovering waste heat in buildings
Heat-recovery chillers are designed to
produce chilled water (CHW) and hot
(HW). They can even be set in heating
mode to maintain a certain leaving HW
temperature while letting the leaving
Heat-recovery chillers are designed to produce
chilled water (CHW) and hot (HW).
CHW temperature float based on load.
Heat-recovery chillers give the most ben-
efit when they can run continuously at
full load to maximize the heat-recovery
hours, such as when they have been sized
for the constant minimum-cooling load
in a hospital.
Energy models are useful for deter-
mining the diversified minimum build-
ing load for heat-recovery chiller sizing;
otherwise, they can be oversized due to
exaggerated process loads or lack of con-
sideration for diversity. A whole-building
Traditional all-air HVAC system is heat
Pump energy 1%
Heat rejection fans/
pump energy 2%
Interior fans 5%
Interior lighting 7%
Cooling 9%
Receptacle 11%
equipment
Heating (fossil fuel) 65%
Figure 4: The highest energy end use for a lab building with a traditional all-air HVAC
system is heat. Waste heat can be recovered to reduce the heating energy.
36 Consulting-Specifying Engineer • JUNE 2017
energy simulation is the only way to get
a full picture of how the building reacts
to its internal loads and environment.
Heat-recovery chillers can even be cou-
pled with thermal storage to expand the
hours of useful heat recovery in building
types with fewer hours of coincident heat-
ing and cooling loads.
Hydronic heat recovery can be used
with most water-cooled equipment.
Air-cooled chillers can even have a
hydronic heat-recovery bundle added.
Water-source heat pumps (WSHPs) use
an hydronic condenser loop, but heat
recovery works a little differently. One
condenser-water loop can have multiple
WSHPs in heating or cooling mode.
Some reject heat to the condenser-water
loop while others receive heat from the
condenser-water loop, so the WSHPs in
heating mode are essentially receiving
heat from the cooling mode.
Refrigerant system heat recovery is
similar to hydronic systems. Hot-gas
reheat is a common type of heat recovery
often employed in dedicated outside-air
systems (DOAS). The hot gas from the
outlet of the direct-expansion cooling
coil bypasses the condenser and is used
as free reheat to both decrease the rela-
tive humidity (RH) of the supply air (SA)
and reduce the possibility of overcooling
when in dehumidification mode. Hot-
gas reheat is an efficient strategy anytime
dehumidification is dominant or a neutral
to warm SA temperature is desired, such
as in natatoriums where there is a con-
stant dehumidification load and the space
set point is around 80°F. Specialized pool
dehumidification units can also use the
recovered heat for pool heating.
Variable refrigerant flow (VRF) sys-
tems come in two types, heat-recovery
and heat pump. Only heat-recovery VRF
systems allow for simultaneous heating
and cooling on the same refrigerant loop.
The simultaneous heating and cooling
feature is possible by using recovered
heat based on the predominant mode of
operation (heating or cooling). As with
a WSHP, the VRF fan coil units (FCUs)
in cooling mode reject heat, in the form
of hot vaporized refrigerant, back to the
common loop, but heat-recovery VRF
systems allow that hot gas to first be used
by any FCU calling for heat. The opposite
occurs when heating is the predominant
mode. Even though heat recovery works
similarly between hydronic and refriger-
ant systems, refrigerant systems have the
advantage of not needing pumps.
Cory Duggin is the energy-modeling wiz-
ard at TLC Engineering for Architecture
Inc., providing building-performance sim-
ulation efforts across the 375-plus-person
firm through both direct project involve-
ment and by supporting project teams on
specific and unique modeling issues. He is
a member of the Consulting-Specifying
Engineer editorial advisory board.
www.csemag.com
Lives are at risk in the event of a utility
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power and communication systems through
emergency power-generation systems to avoid
loss of life.

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 Learning
objectives
 Review methods to spec-
ify an air-side economizer,
water-side economizer, and
modified chiller efficiencies.
 Understand the control sys-
tems that are part of chilled-
water systems.
 Assess a case study in
which a chilled-water system
was implemented.

Modernizing the Wrigley

Field chilled-water system
Selecting and specifying the right chiller is
generally dictated by capacity, and there are many
philosophies on the best way to control, operate,
and calculate system operational costs.
BY SUZAN SUN-YUAN, PE, CDT, LEED AP; and
CORY J. ABRAMOWICZ, PE, HBDP, LEED AP;
Environmental Systems Design Inc., Chicago
W
ith Wrigley Field
reaching 100 years
old, the Chicago
Cubs Baseball Orga-
nization embarked
on a number of HVAC improvements
inside and outside the historic ballpark.
Throughout the Wrigley Field rede-
velopment design, the project team took
steps to incorporate energy-efficient mea-
sures while meeting the client needs and
overcoming all challenges. Three strate-
gies—an air-side economizer, water-side
economizer, and modified chiller effi-
ciencies—are worth highlighting.

38 Consulting-Specifying Engineer • JUNE 2017 www.csemag.com

Figure 1: This photo shows the centrifu-
gal chiller in the Wrigley Field campus
chilled-water plant. All graphics cour-
tesy: Environmental Systems Design
Air-side economizer options
According to the Pacific Northwest
National Laboratory, “An air-side econo-
mizer is a duct/damper arrangement in
an air handling unit (AHU) along with
automatic controls that allow an AHU
to use outdoor air to reduce or elimi-
nate the need for mechanical cooling.”
Certain outdoor-air (OA) and build-
ing cooling-load conditions justify the
use of the AHU being put into air-side
economizer mode. Generally, this would
be when the outdoor dry-bulb air tem-
perature is less than the return-air (RA)
temperature; however, depending on the
OA humidity for the region, this may
create humidity-control issues.
There are four common control types
for air-side economizers, with each pre-
senting various advantages and disad-
vantages:
n Fixed dry-bulb temperature control
n Differential dry-bulb temperature
control
n Fixed enthalpy with fixed dry-bulb
temperature control
n Differential enthalpy with fixed
dry-bulb temperature control.
Fixed dry-bulb temperature con-
trol is the least complex control type
to implement and operate. A high-limit
shutoff temperature setpoint is deter-
mined during system design, and the
system operates based on that setpoint.
If the outdoor-air temperature is below
that setpoint, the air-side economizer is
enabled, thus the RA damper and OA
damper modulate together to meet load.
If the OA temperature is lower than the
RA temperature, the air-side economizer
is enabled, the RA damper is opened,
and the OA damper is reduced to the
minimum position. If the AHU system
is capable, the OA damper position can
vary in this mode based on system car-
bon dioxide (CO 2) levels and building
www.csemag.com
occupancy. To prevent short cycling of
the economizer, a time duration for all
control types is usually implemented into
the AHU economizer-controls sequence.
Differential dry-bulb temperature
control is still simple to implement and
operate, but it requires additional con-
trols programming from the fixed dry-
bulb temperature control. To operate the
economizer using this type of control, the
AHU compares the OA temperature with
the RA temperature being sensed by the
RA temperature sensor. If the OA tem-
perature is less than the RA temperature,
the economizer is enabled; if the OA tem-
perature is more than the RA tempera-
ture, the economizer is disabled.
While both fixed and differential dry-
bulb temperature control methods are
simple to implement and operate, neither
incorporates the OA humidity into oper-
ating the air-side economizer.
Fixed enthalpy with dry-bulb tem-
perature control introduces a new OA
condition to be met to enable the econo-
mizer. Controlling the economizer based
on the enthalpy in addition to the dry-
bulb temperature further limits the usage
of the economizer, but allows for better
control of the system. By using fixed
enthalpy with dry-bulb temperature con-
trol, the AHU control system assesses the
OA enthalpy and dry-bulb temperature
against the high-limit shutoff setpoints
and disables if setpoints are exceeded.
The differential enthalpy with fixed
dry-bulb temperature control operates
with the strictest requirements, similar
to the differential dry-bulb temperature
control. In this control method, the AHU
control system assesses the economizer
mode based on the OA enthalpy and dry-
bulb temperature against the RA enthal-
py and dry-bulb temperature. If either of
the respective OA air properties is above
either of the RA air properties, econo-
mizer mode remains disabled.
When the 2013 edition of ASHRAE
Standard 90.1: Energy Standard for
Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential
Buildings was released, the standard no
longer permitted economizer control
evaluating dewpoint and fixed dry-bulb
Consulting-Specifying Engineer • JUNE 2017
temperature. Whichever control type is
decided for the project, sensor accura-
cy and reliability can have a significant
impact on long-term operation. As the
high-limit variable of an economizer
determines if the economizer is enabled
or disabled, this sensor can increase cost
and energy consumption if not selected
properly.
Designing a system with air-side econ-
omizer to comply with energy code can
present several challenges depending on
the building occupancy type and pro-
gram requirements. Often, the most dif-
ficult design conditions are when there
are high airflow requirements, such as
in commercial kitchens, and/or narrow
humidity control, such as in laboratories.
For these types of building occupancies,
a water-side economizer may be the opti-
mal solution.
During the design of the Wrigley Field
Plaza Building, a robust central cooling
plant with a water-side economizer was
planned and, therefore, an air-side econo-
mizer was not required. Due to the prox-
imity of the two 50,000-cfm base-build-
ing AHUs located on the seventh-level
mechanical penthouse to the outdoors,
outdoor- and exhaust-air ductwork was
routed through the roof and an air-side
economizer was implemented for these
AHUs. All other systems in the building
rely on the water-side economizer.
Water-side economizer options
When evaluating whether a water-
side economizer is the best solution, one
must consider several conditions, begin-
ning with the building usage and occu-
pancy type. If the usage for the building
requires tight humidity control, such as
in museums, hospitals, or laboratories,
the AHUs may not have the capability of
providing adequate control of the space
during the use of an air-side economizer.
Furthermore, if the building is to have a
central cooling plant, the OA-condition
restrictions of the local climate may be
so restrictive that the run time for the
water-side economizer would exceed that
of the air-side economizer. This would
make a water-side economizer a more
39
 Modernizing a chilled-water system
Figure 2: The plate and frame heat exchangers in the Wrigley Field campus chilled-water plant allow for the chilled-water system
to operate in water-side economizer.
enticing option as it would be used more
frequently.
There are arguments that could be
made against water-side economizers
due to their high use of make-up water.
However, due to the low cost of water in
Chicago as compared with the national
average, a water-side economizer for this
application had a clear advantage.
A potential justification for designing
a water-side economizer is if the OA and
exhaust louver locations established by
the project are restrictive. Often for air-
side economizer projects, the AHU needs
to be near the exterior façade to enable
a short connection to the outdoors. This
often forfeits the sought-out perimeter
offices for executives. A water-side econo-
mizer minimizes this because, instead of
large ductwork resulting in lower ceilings
or perimeter offices becoming mechani-
cal rooms with a view, the ductwork is
sized for minimum OA and the econo-
mizer requirement is met by the heat
exchanger at the central cooling plant.
Per ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2016 Sec-
tion 6.5.1.2, Fluid Economizers, if the
project team elects to design a water-side
economizer, the cooling towers/fluid
economizer needs to “be capable of pro-
40 Consulting-Specifying Engineer • JUNE 2017
viding up to 100% of the expected system
cooling load at OA temperature of 50°F
dry-bulb/45°F wet-bulb and below.” This
typically requires the engineer to calcu-
late the economizer capacity using the
load calculation with loads on the build-
ing broken down by OA temperature.
One exception for this section involves
computer rooms; there is a table to evalu-
ate the requirements based on the climate
zone. The other exception for this sec-
tion includes dehumidification require-
ments that cannot be met at a 50°F dry-
bulb/45°F wet-bulb outdoor condition
and where the expected system cooling
load at 45°F dry-bulb and 40°F wet-bulb
is met by the water-cooled fluid econo-
mizers. Standard 90.1 also requires the
fluid economizer to have integrated
economizer control.
When designing the water-side econo-
mizer with plate and frame heat exchang-
ers, there are two piping arrangements for
which the heat exchangers can be con-
figured in relation to the chillers: par-
allel (Figure 3) and series (Figure 4). If
the building system only has the option
of a water-side economizer, then series
arrangement with integrated control is
the only option when following Standard
90.1. To have an integrated control of a
water-side economizer per Standard 90.1,
the system is responsible for not only
providing free cooling when the outdoor
wet-bulb temperature is 45°F and below,
but also for prolonging the free cooling
period by precooling the condenser-
water temperate and warming the return
chilled-water temperature.
Cooling towers
In some cases, the air-side economizer
option has been integrated into the sys-
tem design. Unlike data centers for an
office building, hotel, or mixed-used
complex commercial building (such as
a high-rise), the variation between the
summer load versus winter load can be
large—from 4:1 to as high as 10:1.
For most cooling tower manufactur-
ers, cooling towers or cooling tower cells
can be winterized by using weir dams or
maintaining 50% or more of peak summer
condenser flow at the nozzles to prevent
scaling during winter operation. Depend-
ing on specific cooling tower selections,
some manufacturers can reduce winter
condenser flow even more than 50%.
Therefore, when choosing cooling tow-
ers and chillers for the project, the main
www.csemag.com
selection criteria included the winter
load, summer load, winter condenser
flow, summer peak condenser flow, chill-
er capacity, and each cooling tower or cell
capacity. The integrated/series application
can start to perform free cooling at 47° to
Figure 3: A water-side
50°F wet-bulb with better approach tem-
economizer configura-
peratures. The cooling tower approach
tion is shown with a
temperature ideally should be limited to
heat exchanger in a
5°F and operation for said cooling tower
parallel piping con-
can be optimized if variable-speed drives
figuration.
(VSDs) are included on the cooling tower
fans and condenser-water pumps.
If cooling tower size is based on the
gallons-per-minute performance require-
ment for both summer and winter loads
with an implemented air-side economiz-
er in system design, along with weather
data and winter cooling capacity, it is a
comprehensive effort to validate the heat
exchanger and winter cooling tower cell
capacity.
It also is critical that the appropriate
heat-exchanger configuration is reviewed
and vetted. Cross-flow cooling towers
start to have inner-cell ice forming with Figure 4: This water-
ambient temperature ranges from 40° side economizer con-
to 45°F dry-bulb. It is recommended figuration has the heat
to slightly increase the temperature of exchanger in series
chilled water and warm side of the heat piping configuration.
exchanger during winter operation. This
increases the condenser-water flow across
the cooling tower fill, which helps prevent operation are the key ways to truly save as the office location of the Chicago Cubs
tower icing. energy, especially when the application Baseball Organization. This proved to
An additional criterion that must be applies to hospitality/residential/hospi- be challenging because all four sides of
met if a water-side economizer is used tal buildings. This temperature should the office tower were planned for retail
involves preheating the domestic hot- be used as a starting point at the begin- storefront, which left minimal facade for
water system. Per ASHRAE Standard 90.1 ning of the condenser-water evaluation intake and exhaust louvers. At this point,
Section 6.5.6.2, facilities that operate 24 and should be adjusted depending on the the design team decided to integrate a
hours a day where the total installed heat- age and type of chillers. Over the past 30 water-side economizer into the central
rejection capacity of the water-cooled years, chiller performance has improved by cooling plant to serve chilled water to the
system exceeds 6 million Btu/hour of effectively operating at lower conditions. Wrigley Field Campus.
heat reject and the design service water- Existing chillers may only perform effec- The Wrigley Field Plaza Building is a
heating load exceeds 1 million Btu/hour, tively down to 60°F, whereas newer chiller 220,000-sq-ft building with retail ten-
the domestic hot-water system must technology has allowed some chillers to ants on the ground floor and parts of the
be preheated. The heat exchangers will perform effectively down to as low as 45°F. 2nd floor, a conference center on the 2nd
seasonally switch over from water-side floor (Level 2), tenant offices on Level 3,
economizer to preheating of domestic hot Designing a mixed-use building the Chicago Cubs Baseball Organization
water, which needs to be reviewed as an During the planning and design of on levels 4 through 6, and a mechanical
integrated building energy savings. the Wrigley Field Plaza Building located penthouse on Level 7. Below the 7-story
Standard 90.1 compliance as well as adjacent to Wrigley Field, the design team mixed-use building are two subgrade
maintaining a desirable condenser tem- was tasked to provide an architecturally basement levels of equal gross area. These
perature at 55°F and above for chiller appealing office building that would serve two subgrade levels comprise the central

www.csemag.com Consulting-Specifying Engineer • JUNE 2017 41

Modernizing a chilled-water system
chilled-water plant, Wrigley Field conces-
sion storage, a central kitchen commis-
sary responsible for all food preparation
of Wrigley Field, staff dining and locker
rooms, and the clubhouse, player locker
rooms, laundry, strength and condition-
ing, and hydrotherapy suite.
With the large number of locker rooms,
laundry, and kitchen areas in the sub-
grade levels demanding large exhaust
airflows (thus, OA for make-up), intake
and exhaust were challenging. These con-
ditions made designing the central cool-
ing plant with a water-side economizer
the optimal solution to provide the owner
with desired spaces and ceiling heights.
The central cooling plant at the Wrig-
ley Field campus is made up of three
585-ton centrifugal chillers in Level B2
with equally sized cooling towers on
the roof. One cooling tower is winter-
ized to allow for water-side economizer
operation with heat tracing on outdoor
piping and isolation valves on the con-
denser-water supply, return, and equal-
izer piping. Due to the limiting heights
of the screened wall, coordination of the
cooling tower piping connections and
elevations of the piping to the support
structure was critical. The chilled-water
system is piped in a constant primary
variable secondary system with two
separate secondary systems.
One secondary loop serves the Plaza
Building and is routed in the core of the
building up to the AHUs in the penthouse,
serving levels 2 through 6. The other sec-
ondary loop serves Wrigley Field and is
routed underground to the ballpark; it
runs overhead on the concourse level.
Currently, the piping serves the conces-
sion stands, but there are plans in future
phases to serve additional loads depending
on future programming still in design.
During the design, one of the critical
performance metrics was the minimum
design load of the chilled-water system.
Determining the peak cooling load for
the campus was straightforward; dur-
ing July, when a building in Chicago
typically peaks, building usage is at its
peak. A baseball game with a fully occu-
pied office building, retail restaurants,
and kitchen commissary at full usage is
not uncommon for a typical July day at
Wrigley Field.
When calculating the low load, howev-
er, the opposite was the case—the calcu-
lated load occurs during the winter when
occupancy loads are less clear. Important
criteria the design team assessed when
determining the minimum cooling
load included whether the team would
be using the facilities for training dur-
ing the offseason, the loading of the
intermediate-distribution frame closets
throughout the campus (which would be
substantially lower as the office tower
and ballpark operations would be mini-
mal), and whether the kitchen commis-
sary refrigerators and freezers would be
emptied at the end of the season.

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 Additionally, the maximum load on
the water-side heat exchanger and cool-
ing tower cells also was assessed to
determine the heat-exchanger capac-
ity. Important criteria the design team
assessed when determining the maxi-
mum water-side cooling load, besides
the Standard 90.1 requirement, included
whether there would be a winter event at
the ballpark (i.e., outdoor hockey game),
occupancy loads and uses, refrigeration Figure 5: This view shows the secondary chilled-water pumps at the Wrigley Field
equipment usage, and computer room campus chilled-water plant.
cooling loads.
Among other cold-climate chilled- cooling tower basin, and variable-speed chillers of 400 to 600 tons required 0.560
water systems, careful consideration is condenser-water pumps. kW/ton at full load (FL) and 0.500 kW/ton
required to prevent continuous operation (integrated part-load value; IPLV) for Path
through the winter months to prevent Modified chiller efficiencies A. Additionally, Path B required 0.585 kW/
freezing. During the design of the Wrigley ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2013 Table ton (FL) and 0.380 kW/ton (IPLV) for the
Field Plaza Building, there were a number 6.8.1-3 dictates minimum efficiency same chiller type and load range.
of precautions taken. These included heat requirements for water-chilling pack- Both requirement paths are based on
tracing outdoor piping used in water-side ages that all projects are required to meet. AHRI Standard 550/590 testing crite-
economizer operation, isolation of valves Effective Jan. 1, 2015, the requirements ria. The difference is Path A is intended
not winterized for system drain-down, were further restricted where water- for applications where most of the load
condenser-water bypass through the cooled, electrically operated centrifugal is full load while Path B is intended for

©2016 The Metraflex Company

input #22 at www.csemag.com/information

Modernizing a chilled-water system
applications where most of the load
includes partial loads. Commonly, Path
B includes chillers with VSDs whereas
Path A includes chillers without VSDs;
however, this is not a requirement. Dur-
ing the design of the chillers at the Wrig-
ley Field Plaza Building, the load profile
was concluded to be dynamic, thus VSDs
were to be used for the chiller operation
and compliance Path B was taken.
Fur t hermore, compliance with
ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2013 Table 6.8.1-
3 can be met if the chiller is designed
toward AHRI 550/590 testing criteria.
This requires that the chiller be designed
by the manufacturer for an evaporator-
leaving water temperature (LWT) of 44°F
and flow rate of 2.4 gpm/ton. Addition-
ally, the chiller is required to be designed
for a condenser-entering water tempera-
ture (EWT) of 85°F and flow rate of 3
gpm/ton. If the desired chiller criteria
are to vary from the prescribed compli-
ance requirements, a calculation can be
made based on a formula from Standard
90.1 that calculates alternative compli-
ance efficiencies based on the design
parameters. For the Wrigley Field campus
chilled-water system, this was the case.
Design conditions for the chillers
supplying the Wrigley Field campus
were established to have an LWT and
EWT of 42° and 56°F, respectively, on
the evaporator. Design conditions for
the chiller condensers were established
to have an LWT and EWT of 100° and
85°F, respectively. Due to these varia-
tions from AHRI 550/590, the chillers
were designed around the calculated
full load and IPLV from the formula in
ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2010 Section
6.4.1.2.1. ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2010
was used while the project was being
designed and permitted because it was
the adopted code for Illinois.
Full-load efficiency was calculated to
be 0.706 kW/ton and nonstandard part-
load value (NPLV) was calculated to be
0.470 kW/ton. Based on these results, the
chillers were selected and far exceeded the
Standard 90.1 requirements. The installed
chillers have a full-load efficiency of 0.648
kW/ton and an NPLV of 0.379 kW/ton,
which exceed the FL requirement of 0.706
kW/ton by 8.2% and the NPLV require-
ment of 0.470 kW/ton by 19.4%.
Suzan Sun-Yuan is a vice president at
Environmental Systems Design Inc. She
has extensive experience in the design of
commercial, institutional, and educational
facilities. She serves as the point of contact
for clients, consultants, and contractors,
with responsibility for design quality assur-
ance, coordination of the project team, and
scheduling of phases.
Cory J. Abramowicz is a senior associate
at Environmental Systems Design Inc. He
is a member of the Consulting-Specifying
Engineer editorial advisory board and a
2017 40 Under 40 award winner.

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 Designing buildings
for the Internet of Things
The networking of things within a building must be anticipated
by building engineers.
BY TIM KUHLMAN, PE, RCDD; TEECOM, Portland, Ore.
I
Learning
objectives
 Understand the basics of
Internet of Things (IoT) and
how its evolution will impact
building systems.
 Anticipate IoT’s influence
on building systems, infra-
structure, and the evolution
of design.
46 Consulting-Specifying Engineer • JUNE 2017
n the past few years, the term “Inter-
net of Things” (IoT) has become the
favored buzzword to describe the next
stage of evolution of the information
age. This is an abstract term, which
makes the concept more difficult to
understand. How does this abstract term
affect building design? It would make
more sense to use the term as a verb, such
as “the internetting of things,” or simpler
yet, “the networking of things.”
What we are really talking about with
IoT is taking items or devices (things) and
connecting them to a network where the
items have access to information. The
devices will use the information in dif-
ferenent ways. The simple devices will
interpret and display information. More
sophisticated devices will receive infor-
mation from their environment and com-
municate it back through the network.
The most sophisiticated devices have
integrated logic or intelligence to per-
form control functions and to interact
with other devices. How can we anticipate
the impact and trends of IoT so we can
extrapolate its impact on infrastructure?
Let’s start with an analysis of probably the
first IoT device, the cellular phone, to see
how it evolved.
The cell phone didn’t start as an IoT
device, but because of its access to the
cell phone wireless network, it was in
the unique position to become an IoT
device. From the early 1980s to the early
’90s, cell phones only handled telephone
calls. During this time, cell phones had
access to the telephone network but not
the internet.
In the early ’90s, we saw the birth of
the web and smartphones. When phones
could be used to access data from external
data sources, they became an IoT device.
As an infant IoT device, cell phones could
be used for email and text messages. They
eventually grew into web browsers. Cur-
rently, smartphones are only limited by
the applications loaded on them. Com-
munications and access to data were key
to cell phones becoming smartphones.
Today, cell phones have multiple wire-
less modes (cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth,
and others) that allow them to exchange
data from the “cloud” and control other
devices near and far.
The cell phone is just one example.
Consider the following: We have cars
that can communicate to a dealership
when they need service or if they are in
an accident, vending machines that tell
the distributor when they are running
low on product and allow payment via
credit card or mobile phone wallet, and
televisions and DVRs that automatical-
ly check for software updates from the
manufacturer.
As architects and engineers, we need
to anticipate IoT trends as we design
facilities. IoT devices will continue to
become more popular for personal use,
www.csemag.com
business applications, and facility opera-
tions. There is an expectation that the
facilities we design today will be able to
support IoT devices without needing to
be redesigned.

Disparate lifespans
In considering a facility design that sup-
ports IoT, the challenge for the designer
is anticipating the technology trends for
key building components with different
lifespans. Cell phones as IoT devices do
not actually wear out in 18 months, but
they are driven to obsolescence by the
introduction of new technology and com-
petitive market forces. A cell phone battery
has an estimated life span of 2 years, but
when faced with the choice of replacing
the battery for 10% of the cost of a new
phone, often the choice is to replace the
phone to take advantage of the technol-
ogy improvements. Of all IoT devices, cell
phones probably have the shortest lifespan.
They also represent a new category of
devices in the workplace, often referred to
as “bring your own device” or BYOD. This
could apply to personal laptops, tablets, or
other electronic devices that are owned by
a person but used in a facility to conduct
business. Whereas a company may have
a corporate policy to replace an employee Figure 1: There are many different types of IoT devices depending on their function
laptop computer every 4 years, a person and how they interact with their environment. Some are designed to interact with
who brings their own laptop may decide people; many are designed to communicate with other devices or systems to auto-
to replace their laptop every 2 years. This mate our surroundins. All graphics courtesy: TEECOM
implies two things: The IT network must
be adaptable to newer technologies, and the device is used. The trend is for an source in the network room. Current
the IT department may not be in control increase in devices to be wireless. Wire- technology allows for a device with a
of their technology rollout. less allows for more flexibility for mobile single cable to communicate with video,
devices; for stationary devices, it elimi- data, control signal, and power just shy
Internet vs. intranet, nates the cabling. The biggest drawback of 100 W.
wired vs. wireless of wireless devices is the source of power. Related to IoT, another big user of
As the term implies, IoT devices are IoT devices are not inherently passive. wired devices is the wireless infrastruc-
connected to the internet. This is not They require power from a battery or an ture. To make wireless devices work, they
always true. This is another reason why external source. There are new devices, need to communicate with a cellular sys-
IoT devices should be considered the however, that have integrated photovol- tem or a Wi-Fi network. Within a facil-
“networking of things.” Besides access- taic cells to allow for recharging from ity, this will likely be through the building
ing data from across the internet, an IoT ambient light sources. Wi-Fi network. Each wireless access point
device may access data from a local net- Wired IoT devices in need of a power (essentially a radio) requires power and
work (intranet) or exchange data locally source can use the same data cable that data. The more devices communicating in
with a peer device. It depends on where is used to transmit and receive data. No one area, the greater the number of wire-
the device is and where the data is located. external power supply is necessary. This less access points needed to maintain a
IoT devices can be wired or wireless. uses a Power over Ethernet protocol or quality of service. The trend in wireless
This all depends on the device and how some other Class 2 or Class 3 power is for a higher density of wireless access

www.csemag.com Consulting-Specifying Engineer • JUNE 2017 47


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Designing buildings for IoT
points with a higher bandwidth (more the building. The network communi-
radio channels) and needing more power. cation rooms should house all network
equipment, whether it is for private use
How buildings need to adapt to or public-access networks.
support IoT devices For example, a company may decide
One way to consider the impacts of not to allow public IoT devices to access
IoT devices to the facility design is to their private network or even their guest
work backward from the IoT devices. wireless private network. Mobile IoT
IoT devices in a facility will be wired devices can communicate with multiple
or wireless, and there are still a lot of types of wireless protocol. They may be
wires needed for wireless infrastructure. able to communicate over a cellular net-
All these wires go back to the network work if a public-access Wi-Fi network is
not available. Extending
From an architectural view- the public cellular net-
works into a building
point, assume the network through a distributed
antenna system is com-
communication rooms will mon. This equipment
continue to increase in size. takes space, requires
power, and should be
communication room. The cabling takes integrated into the network communica-
space in the network communication tion rooms.
rooms and in the pathways getting back The electrical loads for the network
to the rooms. Both the pathways and the equipment will continue to increase.
rooms need to be designed with growth The power system should be designed
in mind. A good rule is to allow for 100% to allow for scaling up and the addition
growth for the horizontal cabling spaces of power circuits. The mechanical or
(cables going from a device back to the HVAC system for the network commu-
network communication room) and 50% nication room also should be scalable.
growth for the backbone cabling spaces This does not mean the HVAC system
that interconnect the network commu- should be completely built today for the
nication rooms. This allows room for future load. However, depending on the
growth in both the network communi- system, some techniques can be built now
cation rooms and cable trays. to lessen the impact of scaling up in the
Both the IoT devices that are wired and future, such as oversizing a chilled water
the wireless access points need power. line in anticipation of additional taps or
This power also will come from the local installing additional refrigerant lines in
network communication rooms serving anticipation of a future direct-expansion
a building zone. If more power is being unit to be installed.
transferred through the network commu- Scalability can be applied to the archi-
nications rooms, some of that power will tectural design of the network commu-
turn into heat in the rooms, which implies nication rooms. When working with the
more heat rejection is required. technology engineer to locate the network
From an architectural viewpoint, communication rooms, avoid locations
assume the network communication where the rooms cannot be expanded,
rooms will continue to increase in such as next to exterior walls, vertical
size. The technology engineer should shafts, and stairwells. Strategically locat-
design a room for the equipment being ing a small conference room next to a
ment to be added over the lifespan of allow for the network technology room
the building. Based on product lifecy- to grow into the conference space in the
cles, it may be necessary to refresh the future while minimizing impact to the
network several times over the life of floor space.
48 Consulting-Specifying Engineer • JUNE 2017
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 Designing buildings for IoT
Technology can’t wait for tenant
improvement
The traditional building design
mentality of considering the building
technology to be part of the tenant-
improvement phase of the project will
not prepare facilities for future technol-
ogies. Architects and engineers should
be engaging their technology partners
at the beginning of the project. The
technology disciplines (telecom, secu-
rity, building automation, and lighting)
have been going through a convergence
over the past several years, with telecom
wired and wireless networks becoming
the common utility for all the technology
disciplines.
Where these systems were once con-
sidered separate and required their own
space for equipment and pathways,
they are starting to share more of these
spaces. This has an impact on the archi-
tectural layout of the building and the
concentration of loads on the electrical
and mechanical systems.
Figure 2: Wireless devices are an oxymoron in that to make wireless devices work, it
takes a lot of wiring infrastructure. As wired and wireless IoT devices become more
pervasive, the cabling infrastructure to support them will increase.
50 Consulting-Specifying Engineer • JUNE 2017
The next step is the evolution of the
technology systems into the architectur-
al building interiors. Imagine a building
area where the ceiling, raised access floor,
or wall systems are integrated with the
technology. Interior finishes can incorpo-
rate wireless access points, LED lighting,
building automation sensors, and secu-
rity devices in a modular system. Instead
of an architect having their vision for an
interior space be pockmarked with wire-
less access points and other technology
devices, they can choose a design where
these components are integrated.
Anticipating the next step
of IoT evolution
Predicting the future is difficult, but
there are a couple of emerging technolo-
gies that show promise for IoT. The first
is in the realm of artificial intelligence
and automated response. Siri is Apple’s
intelligent assistant, which was released
in 2011 for several Apple platforms. It is
a program that can adapt to a person’s
search routines and use of language. With
Siri, you can ask a question and the pro-
gram can serve up data compiled from the
internet. Now imagine going to a concert
and trying to find your seat. By logging
into the venue’s guest wireless network
and accessing the venue map, Siri can
direct you. Or, imagine visiting a client’s
office complex and having Siri direct you
to the correct conference room.
There are other artificial intelligence
systems, like Alexa, which interacts with
Amazon’s Echo. Devices such as these
currently work independently; the next
step is for them to be interconnected and
more thoroughly integrated into our sur-
roundings or building systems. In addi-
tion to Alexa learning my voice and my
desired light level for a room, a network
of Alexas would be able to respond wher-
ever it recognizes my presence.
Another promising step for IoT is
the use of mesh networks to intercon-
nect IoT devices. In a mesh network,
every node interconnects with a nearby
node to pass data. Mesh networks can
be set up to be self-recognizing and self-
healing. This allows new devices to be
introduced as they encounter the rest
of the network, or for the network to
transfer data along an alternative path if
a node is removed from the mesh. This
technology has been around for a while
for wired networks.
The next step is to see wireless devices
create mesh networks with other wireless
IoT devices in the vicinity. It may not be
possible for the network Wi-Fi to reach
every place in a building, but through
the wireless interconnection of nearby
nodes, IoT devices can act as digital
repeaters.
Tim Kuhlman is an associate principal
at TEECOM, where his focus is designing
telecommunication systems for commercial
and industrial facilities. He combines his
6 years of construction experience with 23
years of engineering to expertly solve com-
plex problems for his clients. He is a mem-
ber emeritus of the Consulting-Specifying
Engineer editorial advisory board.
www.csemag.com
Integrating BAS, controls
for smart buildings
Technology integration between all engineering disciplines will create
a smart building that can enhance building operations.
BY BRANDON McCARRON, Envise, Garden Grove, Calif.
S
mart buildings are made up of
complex systems containing
equipment, control devices, and
sensors managed with network-
ing infrastructure, processors,
computers, and servers. The traditional
construction approach to smart building
infrastructure pushes down most imple-
mentation details and technology choices
to multiple levels of contractors. In turn,
these professionals design, procure, and
implement infrastructure systems with-
out any collaboration of effort or choices
across disciplines.
The resulting absence of a standardized
network architecture, security scheme, and
user interface for the entire facility creates
a fragmented network of systems that
proves more difficult to operate, maintain,
and expand over the building lifecycle.
Although it is possible to manipulate
a smart building after construction is
complete, it comes at a cost. The tradi-
tional construction approach must rap-
idly evolve, much like today’s operational
technologies, to change the way that smart
building technology is incorporated into
new construction. Embracing this trans-
formation will help building owners and
operators avoid the sunk costs of meeting
specifications at minimum, as well as the
costs of integrating smart systems after the
building is occupied. Translating the idea
of integration to actuality requires upfront
coordination and a collaborative team of
www.csemag.com
experts from the architecture, engineering,
and construction tiers focused on reducing Learning
construction and lifecycle costs through a objectives
technology-focused approach.  Learn how networking
building infrastructure and
Maximizing the sum of all parts systems can lead to a smart
A successfully integrated system will building.
add greater value to the overall project as  Plan for integrated building
opposed to each individual design disci- technology with CSI Master-
Format Division 25.
pline that uses embedded technologies to
monitor and control its respective systems.
For example, lighting and HVAC have
many overlapping features, such as zone
occupancy sensors and schedules, front-
end visualization software, tools for
setup and configuration, Ethernet and
fiber-optic cabling, and communication
protocols. These similarities present an
opportunity to remove duplications and
minimize the number of devices required
to accomplish the same goal; automation
tasks also can be streamlined once the
systems are live. All of this adds up to
eliminated waste.
In addition to lighting and HVAC,
several other systems are responsible for
maintaining any complex project includ-
ing access control, closed-circuit TV, life
safety, metering for utilities, and solar
and energy storage. The importance of
eliminating inefficiencies and minimiz-
ing waste in any building is no longer a
value add. Today, it is a necessity for the
long-term lifecycle management of any
smart building.
Consulting-Specifying Engineer • JUNE 2017 51
 Integrating
BAS, controls
Figure 1: The West 2nd District project team that includes Envise is employing breakthrough strategies in design, engineering,
construction, and environmental systems to create a game-changing new cultural place. Courtesy: West 2nd District
Applying the CSI MasterFormat
specification
When planning for integrated tech-
nology upfront, consider using the Con-
struction Specifications Institute (CSI)
MasterFormat Division 25: Integrated
Automation specification as the coordi-
nation point between design, construc-
tion, and service teams. This will enable
the project team to address technology
Implementing Division 25 as a coordination hub for
design, construction, and service teams is critical.
integration first and define goals and
requirements prior to construction.
Introduced in 1963, the CSI Master-
Format specification for design coordina-
tion and contract documentation for con-
struction projects in the U.S. did not have
a place, or need, for integrated technology.
Each division of the MasterFormat was
covered under different disciplines, verti-
cals, and tiers within the new construction
industry, with designers as experts in their
respective field responsible for each piece
of the overall system.
In essence, an architect responsible
for converging systems was not part of
the design or construction process, and
52 Consulting-Specifying Engineer • JUNE 2017
consequently, continuity did not exist in
operational technology implementations
from one building to the next.
As rapid adoption of direct digital con-
trol and networkable technology acceler-
ated, so did the need for data assimilation
in what used to be traditionally segmented
systems within a building environment. As
a result, the MasterFormat was revised to
address the growing need for governance
of all disciplines to converge the enormous
amount of technology being implemented.
That revision is now known as Division
25: Integrated Automation.
Implementing Division 25 as a coordi-
nation hub for design, construction, and
service teams is critical for addressing
commonalities between all the similar
technologies being applied to the same
portfolios and new-construction oppor-
tunities. Large campuses, hospital facili-
ties, government agencies, data centers,
and other high-performing or complex
environments that have large operational
requirements are especially prone to inef-
ficiencies without standardization.
As emerging technology becomes
viable, Division 25 serves as both a blue-
print for upgrading existing technologies
as they reach their end of life and as a
technology version-control system for
continuously improving and solving old
problems with new, viable technology.
While the inclusion of Division 25 adds
sweat equity and coordination to the early
development process, it is an essential
framework for addressing the long-term
sustainability of these facilities.
Cost and quality remain at the top of
our industry’s priority list, and that will
not change. However, our approach to
incorporating smart building technology
into new construction must revolution-
ize to more fully integrate project teams,
which in turn, minimizes and even elimi-
nates unnecessary and costly gaps. A true
champion of operational technology inte-
gration allows the appropriate accountabil-
ity and responsibility of normalizing net-
work architectures while creating criteria
for standardizing operational technology
software, hardware, and communications.
The result is more efficiency, less waste,
and overall greater cost savings.
Brandon McCarron is technology integra-
tion engineer at Envise, a national build-
ing systems integrator.
www.csemag.com
 We proudly salute manufacturing innovation
and invite you to explore and celebrate
the success stories of these participating
manufacturing innovators:

Aerco Int’l. Inc. National Lightning

Protection Corporation
Armacell LLC
Baldor Onicon Incorporated

Belimo Air Controls PVI Inc.

Bradley Corp Red-White Valve Corp.
Carlo Gavazzi SEMCO LLC
Carnes Company SimplexGrinnell
Carrier Stored Energy Systems
Cleaver-Brooks STuLz
Connectrac Thomson Power Systems
Contemporary Controls Titus
Delta Cooling Towers unison Comfort Technologies
Firetrace Industrial uV Resources
Greenheck Fan Corporation Varco Pruden Buildings
Linx Industries

Look for the special Innovations videos at:

www.csemag.com/innovations
 A DV E R T I S E M E N T
Benchmark® Platinum’s Innovative Technologies
Optimize Performance and Efficiency
The Benchmark Platinum is
AERCO’s most advanced boiler
yet featuring a powerful bundle
of innovative technologies includ-
ing AERtrim (patented O2 Trim
technology), Dual Returns (enables
design flexibility and maximum
efficiency), and onAER Remote
Monitoring (unique pro-active
health of system monitoring).
AERtrim
AERtrim, AERCO’s advanced,
patented O2 Trim technology,
monitors actual site conditions and
self-adjusts its combustion process to ensure
the boiler is operating at optimal O2 levels despite
environmental variations such as humidity, atmospheric
pressure, filter dust loading and delivered gas energy
content. Proper O2 levels provide greater uptime
reliability, increased energy savings, lower emissions,
and an additional 1%-2 % seasonal efficiency gain.
Dual Returns
Benchmark Platinum’s Dual Returns allow engineers
to take full advantage of diverse load demands specific
to a site in order to design the most efficient system
possible. Most traditional boilers offer a single
return that forces the blending of hot and cold water
temperatures. However, Benchmark Platinum’s Dual
Returns keep cold water separate, creating a larger
condensing zone in the heat exchanger that improves
boiler efficiency up to 7%. Dual Returns are ideal
sales@aerco.com | 845-580-8000 | www.aerco.com
input #25 at www.csemag.com/information
for applications that feature combination systems
including multi-zone space heating, space heating
with domestic hot water, radiant floor heating, snow
melt, and pool heating, or as the system’s by-pass to
the high temperature connection.
onAER Remote Monitoring
onAER Remote Monitoring continuously monitors
the overall health of the system helping customers
properly maintain and protect their investment.
onAER provides a convenient site that offers an
instant, intuitive overview of the system including unit
performance, plant efficiency, upcoming maintenance
required, detailed technical data and more. onAER
allows for quick resolution and prevents more serious
problems from developing that can result in inefficient
operation and increased expenses.
Monthly reports and instant email alerts notify
customers and facility managers of any faults or
decline in equipment to prevent unnecessary wear-
and-tear as well as premature failure.
In addition to these features, AERCO offers an industry-
best warranty for the Benchmark Platinum. Benchmark
Platinum is an innovative, state-of-the-art system that
provides maximum efficiency for bigger savings and
greater Return on Investment.
 A DV E R T I S E M E N T

Designed for Food Safety: Dodge Mechanical Products

and Baldor-Reliance Motors
Food and Beverage processing equipment should be designed, used, and maintained with
food safety principals as a priority. Failure to adhere to these practices can cost companies
thousands, if not millions, to resolve. It is critical that food and beverage companies not only
consider the initial purchase price, but also the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) that includes
the cleanability, maintenance, and reliability of the equipment provided by suppliers who
understand the principles of sanitary design.

Industry leading Dodge® mechanical and Baldor-Reliance® electrical products

help ensure the highest level of food safety, reliability, and
performance in the food industry.

Long before we invested in the people, equipment and

material required to produce Dodge washdown reducers and
Baldor • Reliance Washdown Duty motors, we invested our time
and attention in listening to equipment designers, operators and
plant maintenance engineers. We learned about their toughest
processing applications in the food and beverage industry. We took
notes when they shared their wish lists of product capabilities and characteristics.

That was over 30 years ago, and we’re still listening to customer input.
That is why Baldor-Reliance Stainless Steel motors and Dodge Ultra Kleen gear reducers are
engineered to meet the toughest demands of food production and processing. These products
have been designed, tested and certified to meet IP69K requirements for water protection, and
provide the necessary protection from severe washdown conditions without allowing caustic
chemicals or water to enter the product.

Baldor-mediarelations@abb.com | 479-646-4711 | www.baldor.com

input #26 at www.csemag.com/information
 A DV E R T I S E M E N T

Carnes High Temperature Smoke Exhaust Fans

In the United States, a fire occurs in a structure once
every minute. During a fire the amount of oxygen in
the air decreases as it is used up as fuel and the
presence of particulates and fumes increases. To
make matters worse, as the oxygen is depleted there
exists a situation known as “incomplete combustion,”
which results in an increase in the amount of toxic
gasses that can quickly incapacitate occupants
making escape drastically more difficult. The primary
cause of death related to fires is not burns, but
asphyxiation related to inhalation of the toxic fumes
and particulates in smoke. The importance of
escaping early is paramount and necessitates the use
of systems to extend the period of time when
conditions are safe enough for occupants to flee. [1]
sheaves and custom designed motors capable of
running at higher temperatures for longer. The
innovative one-piece outer housing incorporates the
fan inlet and is fully welded to the curb cap for
structural strength and durability.
The VQ series has been thoroughly tested by UL,
the foremost authority in safety testing, to vigorous
standards to ensure proper operation when it matters
most. The entire series of fans are rated to operate at
500 degrees Fahrenheit for over 4 hours and at 1000
degrees for a minimum of 25 minutes. This means
more time for occupants to get to safety.
Visit www.carnes.com for other safety products
from Carnes as well as a large variety of quality air
ventilation, distribution, and conditioning equipment.

Introducing the Carnes VQ Series Fan

The Carnes VQ series centrifugal high temperature Carnes Company is headquartered in Verona, WI
exhaust fan was created for just this purpose.
It was designed to handle the exhaust of extremely
hot, smoke laden air during building fire situations.
The fan discharges unbreathable air to provide vital
Nick Howe
minutes needed during emergency evacuations.
Product Engineering Manager
Carnes Company
The VQ series is manufactured in the US using
heavy duty construction to withstand the extreme
conditions of a building fire. The robust design
incorporates dual high temperature-rated belts and

National Fire
[1]

Protection Association
(NFPA)

Contact carnes@carnes.com | 608-845-6411 | www.carnes.com

input #27 at www.csemag.com/information
 A DV E R T I S E M E N T
Carrier® AquaForce® 30XV Air-Cooled Screw Chiller:
Designed for tomorrow. Fit for today.
The AquaForce® 30XV air-cooled
screw chiller with Greenspeed® intelligence yields an
industry-leading IPLV and has the smallest footprint in its class.
The AquaForce® 30XV air-cooled variable-speed
screw chiller was developed to ensure the best perfor-
mance and efficiency in a solution that’s easy to install,
easy to service, highly reliable and quiet. The 30XV
delivers with industry leading efficiency (IPLV Ratings
greater than 21.0 available in certain models) and
sound. Its smaller footprint can replace just about all
older equipment going back two generations.
The 30XV can be customized to fit most building
needs, anywhere. With value-added features such as
fully air-cooled variable frequency drives for next
generation sub-systems including rotary screw
compressors and quiet AeroAcoustic® fan system,
integrated with microchannel condenser coils, it’s
made for versatility, robustness and efficiency. Its
user-friendly control with color touchscreen display is
self-optimizing, enabling the 30XV to run at optimum
performance at any given set of conditions.
Carrier® Aero® 39M Commercial Air Handler
The reinvented Carrier ® Aero® 39M AHU delivers
greater flexibility and versatility through an expanded
number of available sizes, configurations and
additional features. Featuring the Aero’s proven
foam-filled, double-wall construction and Agion®
anti-microbial technology to protect the unit over its
lifespan, the latest version of the 39M is available in tall
1-800-Carrier | CarrierCommercialSystems@carrier.utc.com | Carrier.com/commercial
input #28 at www.csemag.com/information
and narrow sizes as well as shorter airway lengths to
fit tight mechanical spaces. Additionally, the reinvented
39M is streamlined, easy to install and offers many
more options including greater motor speed control
selections, direct-drive plenum fans and LED marine
lights. Moreover, new filter kits in many different types
and efficiencies will satisfy an even greater breadth
of applications.
Carrier® Dual-Stage
Relief Economizer
(DSRE) rooftop unit
upgrade feature
Carrier’s DSRE is similar
to a typical economizer
with barometric relief The award-winning Carrier Dual-Stage Relief
Economizer (DSRE) rooftop upgrade feature
but also integrates an
provides additional building pressure relief without
additional relief plenum
electricity. The DSRE is available on Carrier48/50 TC,
from the building space HC, KC and LC models of packaged rooftop units.
that bypasses the
traditional barometric relief dampers. The DSRE
uses no motors, fans or electricity to relieve building
pressure and can help eliminate the need for
electricity-consuming power exhaust fans. Carrier’s
Dual-Stage Relief Economizer (DSRE) rooftop
upgrade feature captured the 2017 AHR Expo®
Innovation award in the Green Building category
and Consulting-Specifying Engineer® magazine’s
Silver Award for “Product of the Year” in 2016.
The reinvented Carrier® Aero® 39M
air handler provides even more
advanced technology and custom
features in a streamlined, easy-to-
install package. Indoor and outdoor
units are available to handle a wide
variety of applications.
 A DV E R T I S E M E N T

Dedicated R&D Center at Cleaver-Brooks

Advances Boiler Technology
constraints, allowing for
system engineering
flexibility and maximum
boiler efficiency.

Another design advantage

of the CFC-E is its large-
water-volume pressure
vessel with low pressure
drop, making it ideal for
primary-variable-flow
pumping systems. In its
small footprint, the CFC-E
CBEX Elite boilers at Stanford University features patented AluFer® tube and burner technology
along with intelligent controls to optimize system
Cleaver-Brooks is the leading global engineer and performance and minimize costs.
manufacturer of fully integrated boiler room systems.
The company designs and manufactures hot water Firetube Boiler Technology Reimagined
and steam-generation products aimed at integrating The CBEX Elite boiler features proprietary EX
and optimizing the boiler, burner, controls and technology, the first dramatic evolution in firetube
exhaust system to maximize energy efficiency while boiler design to occur in decades. CFD modeling
minimizing emissions. enabled engineers to increase heat transfer in the
tubes by 85% and optimize the furnace geometry for
Cleaver-Brooks is one of only a few boiler
near-perfect combustion.
manufacturers to operate a dedicated R&D center.
In addition to developing energy-efficient, low- The CBEX Elite achieves 10:1 turndown while main-
emissions products, the company engineers state- taining 3% 02 across the full operating range. It also
of-the-art retrofit solutions for commercial, reduces emissions to never-before-achieved <5 ppm
institutional and industrial markets. NOx levels without selective
catalytic reduction. The
Cleaver-Brooks is the pioneer of firetube and watertube
CBEX Elite is 15% smaller and
boilers, and its products are known for their reliability
heats up 20% quicker than
and longevity. Many of its boilers installed 40 years ago
traditional firetubes.
still operate today.

Exceptional Performance with System

Engineering Flexibility
The ClearFire®-CE (CFC-E) condensing boiler is a
compact, high-mass firetube design that achieves up
to 99% efficiency. It features dual temperature returns,
enabling maximum operating efficiencies in a variety
of system applications. There are no flow limitations to
consider and no need to satisfy multiple-boiler design

To find a Cleaver-Brooks representative near you, visit cleaverbrooks.com/reps.

800.250.8552
info@cleaverbrooks.com
cleaverbrooks.com
input #29 at www.csemag.com/information

Connectrac Brings New Cable Management Solution
with the Under-Carpet Wireway
Connectrac’s latest cable
management solution – the
Connectrac Under-Carpet
Wireway— is now available
for purchase and shipping. This
new wireway is the sleekest and
most low-profile design ever
from Connectrac and looks to be
an industry game-changer.
Connectrac reduced the profile
of the wireway further to the
point where any carpet can be
laid over the system, making it
virtually invisible. This factor
will take cable management
out of sight and out of mind,
blending in seamlessly with
any application design.
Now that carpeting completely
covers the wireway, users can
provide wireless aesthetics to
their workspaces without the
hassles associated with
alternatives like core drilling
or trenching. While time
consuming and an arduous
input #30 at www.csemag.com/information
A DV E R T I S E M E N T
installation process come with
core drilling, Connectrac is
efficient with the users’ time
and can be reconfigured as
workspaces evolve.
The Connectrac Under-Carpet
Wireway elegantly accom-
modates power, data, and AV
cabling and performs ideally for
classroom lecterns, executive
offices, reception desks, and
much more! The low-profile
wireway used for the Under-
Carpet system is also available
in the Connectrac In-Carpet and
On-Floor Wireway options.
The Connectrac In-Carpet
Wireway offers discreet and
elegant power and technology
cable management, integrated
into the carpeting with a
removable top cap for easy
cable and wiring access. It
combines an extruded aluminum
central wireway flanked by
ultra-low sloping floor transition
Connectrac.com
info@connectrac.com | 1.877.480.5637
ramps and an array of
accessories and options.
The Connectrac On-Floor
Wireway is Connectrac’s most
flexible wireway, able to be
installed on top of any flooring.
They lead the industry in both
ease of installation and capacity
for telecom and A/V cables. The
Connectrac On-Floor Wireway
is the best wireway solution
when the speed of installation,
flexibility, and value are critical.
With the Connectrac
Under-Carpet, In-Carpet, and
On-Floor Wireways, users can
deliver power, data, and A/V
connectivity to anywhere in
their interior application. The
three wireway options from
Connectrac ensure it the most
elegant and cost-efficient cable
management solution over
other alternatives such as
core drilling, trenching, and
power poles.
 A DV E R T I S E M E N T

Powerful, Flexible Fire Protection Solutions

Firetrace International is the global leader in special hazard fire protection. The first to adapt to
new technologies, Firetrace supplies powerful, flexible fire management solutions worldwide.
Headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona since its inception in 2000, Firetrace has expanded from
its initial 2,000sq ft (185sq m) facility to over 80,000sq ft (7,500sq m). Its European operations are
based just outside Gatwick Airport near London and, to ensure timely, effective support around the
world, it also maintains sales offices in Sydney, Singapore, New Delhi, Dubai and Johannesburg.
As one of the largest global installers of fire suppression systems, Firetrace has an established
product division. Skilled engineers in electrical, electronic and mechanical engineering are
dedicated to the ongoing research and development of all kinds of fire suppression systems.
Firetrace also sits on a range of different fire suppression committees that seek to determine and
promote best practice. This enables the business to not only remain compliant today, but also to
make accommodations for the future and ensure it continues at the forefront of any new learnings
or technologies.
It is this focus on innovation, flexibility and adaptability that sets Firetrace apart from its
competitors. If a customer comes to Firetrace with fire suppression needs that aren’t fulfilled – or
aren’t optimally fulfilled – by the company’s current range, the team works with them to make the
necessary changes.
A perfect example of Firetrace’s innovation is its E4 engineered clean agent
systems; the newest evolution in total flooding fire suppression. Firetrace E4
systems are shattering traditional design limitations using 500psi/35 bar
pressure in lower-cost, low pressure equipment, while achieving the
performance of more expensive high pressure or ‘nitrogen driver’ systems.
A further demonstration of Firetrace’s unique adaptability is its complete family
of UNECE (United Nations Economic Commission for Europe) R107 approved fire
suppression systems for buses. Firetrace is the only manufacturer to offer the
mass transit industry a wide choice of approved systems specifically designed
for their sector.

Mark Osborne
President, Firetrace International

www.firetrace.com | info@firetrace.com
+1 888 607 1218 (USA & Canada) +1 480 607 1218 (international enquiries)
input #31 at www.csemag.com/information
 A DV E R T I S E M E N T
Greenheck Lowers Sound and Simplifies Start-up
in Packaged Rooftop Outdoor Air Units
Greenheck’s highly configurable packaged rooftop
units are specifically designed for DOAS or high
percentage outdoor air applications. Models RV and
RVE (with energy recovery) are ideal for schools,
hospitals, hotels and other commercial buildings.
Model RVE
Model RV and Model RVE
• Up to 13,500 cfm
• 2” Double Wall R13 Foam
• Cooling Options:
— Packaged DX
— Split DX
— Chilled Water
• Heating Options:
— Indirect Gas Furnace
— Electric Heater
— Hot Water
• Available with Modulating Hot Gas Reheat with
precise humidity control
High Turndown Furnace
An optional high turndown furnace can be specified
to provide up to 16:1 seamless turndown for more
precise temperature control and less furnace cycling.
This option is especially beneficial in variable air
volume applications when decreased airflow causes
excessive cycling with lower turndown furnaces.
Higher turndown also improves occupant comfort on
part-load days or when the furnace is sized for a large
temperature rise.
input #32 at www.csemag.com/information
Low Sound Condensing Fans
In addition to achieving outstanding energy efficiency,
Greenheck’s packaged rooftop units include low
sound condenser fans that reduce unit sound levels
up to 8 dB.
The quiet operation allows for installation closer to
the spaces they are serving and shorter duct work
runs while ensuring compliance with local sound
codes. The radiated sound levels of the RV and RVE
models are tested in a state-of-the-art sound lab and
published in the unit submittal.
Intuitive Start-Up
Greenheck’s preconfigured and intuitive controls
simplify start-up and reduce installation time. Control
sequences are optimized for Dedicated Outdoor Air
Systems and Variable Air Volume applications.
Greenheck Controller
The controller is preprogrammed for the specific
job but parameters are easily adjustable in the
field without additional programming devices or
factory technicians.
The microprocessor controller is capable of
operating stand-alone or it can be integrated into
a Building Management System (BMS) at any time
through a protocol card using BACnet ® MS/TP or IP,
LonWorks ® or Modbus ® RTU protocols. Each unit is
factory-tested to ensure optimum performance
and quality.
715-359-6171 | greenheck.com
 A DV E R T I S E M E N T
ProCoat Duct Systems: Specify Performance
and Appearance In One
Linx Industries, formally known as Lindab USA, is a
division of DMI Companies and has announced the
release of a new coated ductwork line. ProCoat™ and
ProCoat Plus™ HVAC duct systems were first intro-
duced at AHR Expo 2017 in Las Vegas. Visitors were
able to examine ProCoat’s smooth exterior and test its
durability firsthand. ProCoat products are immediately
available to North American’s construction industry.
ProCoat products are an alternative to PVC, PDS,
PCD, and other precoated steel products. The coating
exhibits superior chemical resistance characteristics
over precoated sheet metal alternatives. In addition,
ProCoat ductwork can be fabricated using industry
standard welding methods, adding quality while main-
taining aesthetic appearance and corrosion resistance.
“As a manufacturer, our goal is to systematically
reduce energy waste and increase performance
while providing the finest quality of ductwork. With
ProCoat, engineers will find the
product dynamic and consistent…
perhaps something that is missing
when ductwork is painted at the
jobsite or fabricated from precoated
sheet metal,” said Dave Shaeffer,
Linx Industries’ president.
ProCoat duct systems are delivered
custom coated and factory-direct.
input #33 at www.csemag.com/information
ProCoat has an average
thickness of 4 mils and
will meet or exceed 3,000
hour salt spray test per
ASTM B117-97.
Desired colors are
matched using the RAL
color system. Standard
ProCoat products are
coated on the outside
surface. ProCoat Plus
products are coated both inside and outside of the
ductwork and are recommended for laboratories,
pools, and similar corrosive environments.
Products are available in diameters up to 60-inch.
ProCoat products are not limited to spiral round duct
systems. They can be fabricated in flat oval systems
as well. Related accessories such as sheet metal
screws and band hangers can also be
coated to match.
With round and oval ductwork becoming
more mainstream in exposed applications,
the Linx ProCoat and Safe self-sealing
systems offers specifying engineers the
solution for applications that demand both
appearance and performance. To learn
more, email engineering@li-hvac.com.
Linx Industries, Inc. | Tel: (800) 797-7476
www.li-hvac.com
 A DV E R T I S E M E N T

The Most Advanced

Lightning Protection System in the World
The Prevectron 3 ® is the most advanced lightning protection
system in the world today. The Prevectron® has a lengthy history
which boasts thousands of successful installations on high profile
structures all over the world. The Prevectron® has been tested
under real lightning conditions on five different continents as well
as numerous high voltage laboratories. The Prevectron 3 ® is the
world’s first UL Certified ESE lightning conductor (UL File E478687)
and conforms to multiple international standards.

The Lightning Innovation and Research Institute (LiRi) is an

integrated department of INDELEC (Inventor of the Prevectron® ).
This forward-thinking research team of highly skilled engineers
provides INDELEC with unparalleled R&D abilities. LiRi operates a
1.6 million volt High Voltage Laboratory capable of generating
electrical arcs several meters long in a highly controlled
environment. LiRi is among the largest lightning research centers
with regularly published articles, videos, and links to support
international research and global knowledge on lightning. LiRi is
dedicated to improving knowledge of lightning phenomenon,
physics, and lightning protection practices as well as the research
and development of new technologies like the OptiMax ® system in
the Prevetron 3 ®.

A lightning strike is the attachment between electrical energy in

the sky (a downward leader) and energy from the ground (upward
leader). One of the Prevectron’s unique features is its ability to
read the rate of change in the surrounding natural electric field.
During storm conditions this field increases rapidly as the energy
from the downward leader gets close to the ground.

The Prevectron is able to react to this rapid increase in the natural

electric field and produce a stronger upward leader synchronized
with the downward leader. Within the naturally occurring process
of a lightning strike a charge can form around the tip of lightning
rods which makes them less effective. The OptiMax ® system in
the Prevetron 3 ® neutralizes this charge so that the upward leader
is not only produced at a precisely synchronized time it is also
produced in optimum conditions.

Many attempts have been made to imitate the Prevectron® but it

has never been equaled.

800-628-2816 | sales@nlpcorp.com | www.NationalLightning.com

input #34 at www.csemag.com/information
 A DV E R T I S E M E N T

Red-White Valve Corp. presents its new range of

Pressure Independent Control Valves (PICV)
9700 Series valves implement high-quality
technical features with a compact design.

• Simplified presetting without need for

complicated diagrams
• Rotating analog dial to allow easy setting
of desired flow regardless of changes of
pressure in the line
• Actuator capable of full stroke modulation
independent from preset

• Available in multiple connections (MNPT, FNPT

and Solder)
• Test points to allow measurement of differential
pressure across the valve
• Works with On-Off and Modulating (0-10V)
electrical Actuator
• Integrated Isolation Valve optional
• Operating ∆P range up to 58 psi
• 300WOG

Working conditions: Water 15°F - 260°F

below 32°F only for water with added antifreeze fluids
over 212°F only for water with added anti-boiling fluids
(Ethylene-glycolic and propylene-glycolic mixtures up
to 50% may be used)

9700 Series valves comply with the

Buy American Act and are constructed of
the following materials:
• Corrosion Resistant DZR Brass Body
• Springs and piston in Stainless Steel
• NSF approved EPDM Perox

Tel: 800-222-RWVC (7982) | Fax: 949-859-7200 | info@rwvcusa.com | redwhitevalvecorp.com

input #35 at www.csemag.com/information
 A DV E R T I S E M E N T

Addressable Notification Provides

Safer, Smarter Protection
Addressable notification is innovative, game-changing technology
that’s helping SimplexGrinnell, now part of Johnson Controls, to
deliver safer, smarter protection. While addressable technology has
been used for many years for fire detection, we’re now leveraging
addressable notification to provide valuable benefits at every stage
in the life cycle of a fire alarm system, from design and installation to
operation and ongoing service.

• Flexible wiring architecture: The wiring architecture of our

SIMPLEX TrueAlert ES notification systems is very flexible, so more
appliances can be connected per circuit. This allows for more
efficient wire runs and makes it easier to correct wiring mistakes.
Wiring distances can be increased significantly, with
circuits supporting a larger number of appliances. The
flexibility of the wiring also means that fewer power
supplies, batteries and dedicated AC lines are required.

• Targeted emergency messaging: One of our latest

innovations is the introduction of addressable TrueAlert
ES fire alarm speakers with individual device control.
This technology provides the capability to deliver audio
messages to specifically targeted areas within a build-
ing. Each audio unit has its own address on the fire alarm
system and is supervised by the fire alarm panel.

This means the fire alarm panel can be programmed

to select which speakers are to be used and what
message will be played on them during emergencies.
This targeted audio paging capability enables the delivery
of critical,event-specific information exactly where it’s needed.

• Notification appliance self-testing: The revolutionary self-

testing capability of TrueAlert ES appliances enables testing to
be done through a SIMPLEX ES fire alarm panel, greatly reducing
interruptions to building occupants and business operations. Work
that used to take hours or even days can now be done quickly and
efficiently – and with virtually no disruption to building operations.

The self-test process takes just seconds to complete. It can be

initiated manually or programmed via the fire alarm control panel
to run automatically at a convenient time, eliminating the burden of
after-hours testing. Self-testing can reduce business disruption and
provide significant time and cost savings for your clients.

For more information, visit www.tycosimplexgrinnell.com

input #36 at www.csemag.com/information
 A DV E R T I S E M E N T

User Driven, Purpose Built Designs:

Precision Cooling & Ultrasonic Humidification
The Data Center Experts
From Edge to Enterprise, from
wholesale to retail, from the smallest
IT closet to the largest hyperscale data
center, STULZ has a user driven,
purpose built solution ideally suited for
your needs.

The STULZ product range includes

traditional room cooling, high density
cooling, micro data centers, retrofit
solutions, modular containers, air
handling units with adiabatic cooling,
retrofit solutions, and ultrasonic
humidification. STULZ offers the
broadest range of chilled water and
direct expansion systems with Direct
and Indirect Free Cooling solutions.
The Everything Experts
STULZ provides solutions for many
industries beyond data centers,
including medical/hospital, agricultural
(medical cannabis, humidor, etc.),
archival and clean room, laboratory
and research, commercial construction,
and industrial applications.
Small Space Systems
STULZ offers multiple systems geared
toward small spaces, or in modular data
centers with the potential for growth.
STULZ CeilAiR includes an expansive
range of ceiling mounted systems that
free up valuable floor space for rack
systems. STULZ Mini-Space is a small
floor mounted unit serving low density
applications, such as server closets.
Micro Data Centers with optional
Liquid Cooling Solutions
STULZ CyberMDC is a complete IT infrastructure system,
incorporating all the key components necessary for an efficient,
reliable, and secure data-center-in-a-box. With the added benefit
of STULZ’ Chip-to-Atmosphere liquid cooling, STULZ is able to
provide cooling options ranging from small IT workloads to high
density Edge data centers.
Custom Indoor Air Handling Units
STULZ Custom AHU’s are engineered to order solutions that are
currently deployed in many of the largest data centers around the
world. Custom AHU’s are a prime example of how STULZ listens
to customers and delivers tailor-made solutions.
Innovation through
Collaboration
Whether your need is solved with
a standard pre-engineered product
or you require a customized
solution, our engineers and product
specialists will work with you to
choose the right solution.

info@stulz-ats.com Joerg Desler

(301) 620-2033 President
www.stulz-usa.com Stulz Air Technology Systems, Inc.
input #37 at www.csemag.com/information
 A DV E R T I S E M E N T

Thomson Power Systems introduces Mission Critical

Narrow Frame Medium Voltage Switchgear
Thomson Power Systems has launched their
new GCS2400 MV-ND, 5 and 15 KV Metal Clad
Switchgear system. This unique design features
significantly narrower widths with a flexible
modular concept and front cable termination
access, allowing customers to maximize floor
space. The GCS2400 MV-ND is certified to IEEE
C37.20.2. The compact construction of each
section measures 26” Wide, 97” High and
59”Deep, which is significantly smaller than
traditional MV Switchgear.

Electrical rooms in general are under constant

pressure to be reduced in size. Mission Critical
Applications such as Data Centers and Hospitals
place an even greater premium on floor space.

Where installation space for electrical distribution

systems is constrained the GCS2400 MV-ND is an
ideal choice. The unique front cable termination
access reduces the Switchgear installation foot
print providing engineers the freedom to locate
their switchgear anywhere in the electrical room
and get full utilization of available space.

Existing installations are also able to take

advantage of our new compact design.
Switchgear retrofits and upgrades present a
unique challenge to engineers. Limited space and
access can force less than ideal design decisions.

The compact design and front cable termination

access of GCS2400 MV-ND gives the owners of
existing installations, such as legacy data centers,
health care facilities, and water treatment and
pumping facilities the ability to access and utilize
the existing space more efficiently.

info@thomsonps.com | Tel: 604-888-0110 | www.thomsonps.com

input #38 at www.csemag.com/information
 A DV E R T I S E M E N T
Important Breakthrough in VAV Diffuser Technology
There’s never been anything quite like the new
Helios VAV Diffuser before. Powered by ambient
light, it solves a host of challenges for building
owners, architects, contractors and occupants.
It saves money and increases the comfort of
building occupants. Let’s take a closer look.
Each unit operates independent of any building
power source, so there’s no need for additional
wiring. This alone can mean significant savings,
both during installation and subsequent opera-
tion. Helios stores power derived from ambient
light, and has the capacity to continue working
even after several days in complete darkness.
Additionally, the Helios VAV requires no additional
duct work — a huge benefit for any architect or
contractor engaged in a retrofit. Because there’s
less installation construction required, the
innovative Helios is quicker and easier to install,
saving both time and resources.
The Thermostat Wars Are Over
With traditional office VAV systems, large
climate zones are often established, and this
means that groups of occupants have to make
do with a single thermostat setting. Tradition-
ally, men prefer a lower indoor temperature than
women, and that’s why we sometimes see men
in short-sleeved shirts working side-by-side
with female colleagues in jackets.
communications@titus-hvac.com | 972-212-4800 | www.titus-hvac.com/helios
input #39 at www.csemag.com/information
Helios can be installed so that climate zones in separate
offices can be controlled individually. This means an
end to — forgive the pun — heated discussions about
thermostat settings. Ladies, put away those jackets and
scarves; gentlemen, you can let your sleeves down.
Tradition of Technical Innovation
Titus has, once again, engineered a game-changing
component in air distribution technology. Helios is unlike
any other diffuser in the market today. And because of
its clear economic and functional advantages, it’s likely
to quickly become an industry standard.
The introduction of Helios means big savings
for building owners and contractors, and
also signals the end of the Thermostat Wars.
Increased user comfort, digital accuracy, ease of
installation and improved cost-efficiency make Helios
an important breakthrough
in VAV technology. It’s
exactly what you’d expect
from Titus, the leader in
innovative air distribution
technology.
The Helios VAV diffuser is an AHR Expo
2017 Innovations Award winner.
Digital accuracy and
independent power
source make Helios
a big cost-saver.
 A DV E R T I S E M E N T

Cx-Series Custom Hydronic Air Handler

Fills a Gap with New Technology

Incorporating advanced green motor and

acoustics technology, the Cx-Series offers direct-
drive fans with brushless EC motors to reduce
energy consumption. Backward-inclined fan
blades reduce sound for quiet operation. Hot
water and chilled water coil customization let
designers match the exact needs of each project.

Using an online form, representatives can

quickly select a wide range of options in a robust casing.

We know that a one-size-fits-most solution doesn’t

meet the needs of everyone. At the same time,
one-off products can be expensive and often have
extended design and production lead-times. That’s
why Innovent® offers the Cx-Series, a custom
hydronic air handling solution with quick and
accurate selections in the design process and
reliable manufacturing lead-times.

The Innovent Cx-Series provides streamlined
design and construction for today’s fast-paced
environment. Applications include chilled and hot
water air handling needs in healthcare, hospitality,
education, commercial, industrial and laboratories.
The Cx-Series offers
a wide range of
energy-efficiency
options in a robust,
foam-injected,
variable-aspect ratio
casing. An online
selection webpage
enables Unison reps
to submit a unit
selection and receive
design documents in
a matter of minutes.
“The Innovent Cx series bridges the gap between
custom units and configured products for fast-
track, cost-sensitive projects,” says Jennifer Schroer,
Vice President of Unison Air Handling.
Taking advantage of modern technologies creates a superior alternative
to a welded floor.
An innovative breakthrough in construction offers
distinct advantages over a conventional welded
floor. A durable protective coating over a sheet
metal floor creates a waterproof, non-slip surface
throughout the unit. This 2” basin offers true wash
down construction. Removable panels provide
easy upgrade of components enabling 30+ years of
service life.
From configurable to custom, Unison® Air Handling
has the right solution for your next project. Unison
has earned a reputation for expertise in energy
recovery and refrigeration. With Valent configu-
rable packaged rooftops and Innovent custom air
handling equipment, Unison has the products that
today’s energy-efficient buildings require.

www.innoventair.com | sales@unisoncomfort.com | (612) 877-4800

input #40 at www.csemag.com/information
 A DV E R T I S E M E N T

UV Resources Helps Boost HVAC Performance by 10-30%

Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation, or UV-C, is an incredibly effective and
affordable technology for keeping critical components of commercial
HVAC systems clean and operating to “as-built” specifications.

UV Resources has been a key driver in advancing this technology and

establishing modern sizing and efficacy software for its use.

Save 10-30%
HVAC system performance can begin to degrade within one year of
start-up. According to the 2015 ASHRAE Handbook—HVAC
Applications, UV-C reduces mold, biofilm and coil pressure drop, as
well as coil-cleaning. It further states that UV-C can increase airflow
and heat-transfer coefficients and reduce both fan- and refrigeration-
system energy use. Savings of 10-30% have been reported once
capacity is restored. And, UV-C equipment costs an average of less
than $0.15 per cfm.

“UV-C eliminates accumulated organic materials on HVAC/R

equipment to significantly improve airflow and heat-exchange
efficiency while providing cleaner, healthier, odor-free air.”

Large air handler solutions

The RLM Xtreme™ fixtureless UV-C lamp system delivers
high-output ultraviolet energy to irradiate coils and destroy
mold, bacteria and viruses in demanding and high-volume
HVAC environments.

Packaged rooftop units

The X-Plus™ NEMA 4X design is ideal for hard-to-access
outdoor and indoor HVAC equipment up to 30 tons, including
rooftop package units, through-the-wall or fan coil units.
The flexible system helps improve heat transfer, reduce
energy use, lower odor and maintenance, and “sustain”
AHU capacity while improving IAQ.

Rapid Roi
For one commercial building owner, an independent audit
documented a 47% increase in airflow following the
installation of UV-C. The ultraviolet energy lowered energy
consumption enough for the project to pay for itself in just
three-months—an impressive 90-day ROI.

Although UV-C is a relatively simple technology, many engineers and building owners are amazed that
something so simple can yield such significant savings. Learn more today!
Call UV Resources at 877-884-4822 or visit www.uvresources.com

877-884-4822 | info@uvresources.com
www.UVResources.com
input #41 at www.csemag.com/information
 A DV E R T I S E M E N T
Innovative New Product Helps Insulate
Steel Frame Buildings
Varco Pruden’s new ThermaLift™ Insulation System
allows steel framed building owners to achieve R-34,
the highest R-value in the industry, using regular roll
roofing by “Literally raising the roof cavity so that
you can double the amount of insulation capacity.”
according to John Brewer, Product Manager for
Varco Pruden.
Brewer explains that “With older roof systems, using
rolled insulation is impossible to meet the R-values of
future building codes. The ThermaLift™ System offers
an innovative approach for getting more insulation
under the roof.”
Thermal performance testing in accordance with
ASTM-C1363 has resulted in U-factors as low as
0.029. The result is a cost-effective roof system that
meets today’s and tomorrow’s more stringent
energy codes, including IECC 2015 and Canada’s
NECB 2011 code.
Developed to work with Varco Pruden’s SSR
(Standing Seam Roof) system, ThermaLift includes a
patented proprietary 5” x 48” insulation bridge to
provide additional space for insulation between the
roof panels and the building structure. Made from
sturdy 22-gauge galvanized steel, the bridge, when
input #42 at www.csemag.com/information
combined with VP’s SSR clip offerings, lifts roof
panels up to 7” above the secondary structural –
creating enough space for two layers of
blanket insulation.
VP offers four sizes of clips for varying insulation
thickness: 3½”, 4”, 4½” and 5” tall.
Varco Pruden, in conjunction with parent
company BlueScope Buildings North America,
owns its own Hot Box testing facility to confirm
the thermal achievement. VP’s SSR Roof meets
IBC-2015 and ICC-ES2527, as well as Factory Mutual
and UL-90 requirements.
Engineered to be installed above the building
structure, ThermaLift eliminates the need for
banding, and reduces installation time and costs
when compared to other alternatives. Additionally,
once the roof is installed, structural members are
accessible to other trades for attaching items such
as duct work and sprinkler systems.
Brewer pointed out that each ThermaLift package
is custom engineered and made to order for that
specific building so that installation is swift,
and easy. ThermaLift is compatible with VP’s
PrisMAX ™ SL daylighting product, DuraCurb™ and
roof accessory items.
For more information, visit www.vp.com and click
on products.
901-748-8000
vpsales@vp.com
www.vp.com
 ADVERTISEMENT

Armacell: Innovations in Energy Efficiency

Armacell is a global innovator in foam technologies and the world leader
in the market for elastomeric mechanical insulation for chilled water
systems. As the inventors of Armaflex®, the most trusted brand in flex-
ible, fiber-free mechanical insulation, we have over 60 years of proven
expertise in expanded foam technology. Today Armacell is a leading
producer of closed-cell insulation for condensation control, reducing
energy waste and absorbing noise.

Armaflex for Chilled Water Systems - AP Armaflex tubes, sheets and rolls are ideal for controlling conden-
sation and ensuring long lasting thermal efficiency for chilled water systems. The closed-cell nature of the
material provides a built-in water vapor barrier, so it won’t wick moisture, doesn’t require jacketing indoors
and surface punctures won’t affect its performance over time. AP Armaflex products are GREENGUARD Gold
certified and made with Microban® antimicrobial technology to resist the growth of mold in the insulation.

Support You Can Trust - Our Technical Managers can answer questions about products or performance. We
have a team of Specification Managers to help write specs as well as conduct educational Lunch & Learns
for continuing education credits.
About Armacell - Armacell operates six manufacturing facilities
in the US and one in Canada.
info.us@armacell.com | 800-866-5638 | www.armacell.us
input #43 at www.csemag.com/information

cse201706_innovHlf_armacell.indd 1 5/17/2017 12:01:39 PM

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Solving Low Delta T Leveraging IoT

The Belimo Energy Valve is now an IoT device utilizing advanced cloud-based
technology to leverage captured system data providing energy savings and
the most efficient operation. The Energy Valve is a pressure independent valve,
which measures and manages coil energy by using an embedded electronic
flow meter, along with supply and return water temperature sensors. It is ideal
for water-side control of heating and cooling coils with programmable
maximum flow settings from 1.65 - 713 GPM in valve body size ½” to 6”.

• Delta T Optimization and Flow Setpoints provide recommendation which One Optimized Complete Solution –
can be updated remotely or automatically. Now Cloud Based.
• Performance Reporting graphically showing current and historical data of Discover all the advantages at
flow rates, energy usage, and Delta T. www.belimo.us or contact your
• Lifetime Data Access for future optimization. local Belimo Sales Engineer at
• Online Tech Support to assist you remotely. 800-543-9038.
• Software Updates provided for maximum productivity and reliability.
• Extended Warranty increased to 7-year with Belimo cloud connection.

In addition, the Energy Valve offers glycol monitoring assuring concentrations

meet design needs providing optimum efficiency and safe operation and
reduces operating cost. www.belimo.us
800-543-9038

input #44 at www.csemag.com/information

 ADVERTISEMENT

Design On Demand™ Program Provides Customized Solutions

Bradley Corp.’s exclusive Design On Demand™ program offers
customized services and product solutions that are ideal for large or
small industrial applications in the most demanding environments.
With in-house engineering experience, system design consultation and
individualized services, Bradley’s qualified experts help design plumbing
systems according to each customer’s needs and project goals.
Bradley offers a complete range of efficient and reliable plumbing
products for tempering water and liquid processing. In effect, this
program is designed to provide customers with the most innovative and
dependable products for each application.

Design On Demand industrial plumbing products can be bundled or

pre-assembled to meet specific application requirements. Products
feature Bradley’s expansive line of Emergency Safety Fixtures featuring Halo™
technology, Enclosed Safety Showers, Keltech® Electric Water Tankless Heaters
and Navigator ® Thermostatic Mixing Valves – all of which are built for the
most challenging industrial situations.

For more information, visit www.bradleycorp.com/design-on-demand

or contact: designondemand@bradleycorp.com

input #45 at www.csemag.com/information

cse201706_innovHlf_bradley.indd 1 5/11/2017 10:07:03 AM

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A Global Force With Electronic Automation Components

Founded in 1931, CARLO GAVAZZI is a multinational electronics group
active in the design, manufacture and marketing of electronic and electrical
components for industrial automation and building automation.

With several ISO9001 and ISO14001 certified manufacturing and R&D

facilities throughout Europe and Asia, and dozens of sales offices spanning
the globe, you are assured that product support, service, and inventory are
only a phone call, email or mouse click away. CARLO GAVAZZI products
are developed and manufactured in full compliance with the most important
standard regulations, such as UL and CSA.

Typical customers are original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) of

packaging machines, injection molding (plastics) machines, agriculture machines, food and
beverage production, conveying and materials handling equipment, door and entrance
control systems, parking guidance systems, elevators and escalators as well as
heating, ventilation and air conditioning devices. System
integrators and distributors are typically the channels
we utilize to reach the market.
sales@CarloGavazzi.com | 847.465.6100
www.GavazziOnline.com

input #46 at www.csemag.com/information

 ADVERTISEMENT

Unitary Controller Sequence of Operation Emulation on a PC

Contemporary Controls has just released its BASemulator which
replicates on a PC the operation of the company’s BAScontrol series of
open unitary controllers, thereby allowing sequence of operation (SOO)
verification without having the actual controller. Using a PC, specifying
engineers can now view the same program that will be used on the job to
verify that it meets the engineer’s intended sequence of operation. For a
contractor, programs can be developed, configured and then saved on
a PC for eventual downloading to the intended controller at the job site.

The BAScontrol series of BACnet/IP unitary controllers are built on

the Sedona Framework™. Sedona is an open-source technology that
facilitates component-oriented programming where components are
assembled onto a wire sheet, configured and interconnected, to create
applications. The BASemulator is free and joins the other free Sedona
tools such as the Sedona Application Editor (SAE) which allows for Contemporary Controls believes that
Sedona programming, and BASbackup which will save and restore all an open controller requires tools
BAScontrol configuration and programming files as a project. available to all without restriction.

Learn more at
www.ccontrols.com/controllers
input #47 at www.csemag.com/information

cse201706_innovHlf_contempCtrl.indd 1 5/11/2017 8:32:02 AM

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Delta Unveils World’s First Anti-Microbial Cooling Tower

Legionella, the bacteria that causes potentially fatal Legionnaire’s Disease,
and other strains of deadly pathogens that are hosted by some cooling towers,
have been substantially reduced by the development of a unique anti-microbial
HDPE material introduced by Delta Cooling Towers. According to the CDC, in
many of these cases Legionella is incubated and spread through water systems,
including the cooling towers that are essential items in commercial building
HVAC systems and industrial process cooling.

Delta has just launched a line of towers constructed of anti-microbial resin,

which is fully compounded into the base cooling tower material. The anti-
microbial resin and cooling tower fill contain additives that operate on a cellular level to continuously disrupt and
prevent uncontrolled growth of microorganisms and biofilm. Efficacy tests were performed by Special Pathogens
Laboratory, The Legionella Experts®.

The design of many cooling towers creates pockets where water may stagnate, another condition
that can lead to microorganism development. The stagnant water areas are prime breeding
grounds for Legionella. To avoid such problems, Delta’s cooling tower designs feature
a sloped basin and/or basin sweeper system. A 20-year
factory warranty provides evidence of the durability of sales@deltacooling.com
these HDPE cooling towers. 973-586-2201
http://deltacooling.com

input #48 at www.csemag.com/information

 ADVERTISEMENT

NEW from ONICON - Configurable Energy Meter with Native BACnet®

The System-20 BTU Meter provides highly accurate thermal energy measurement
in water and water/glycol cooling, heating and condenser water systems. Energy
measurements are based on signal inputs from a pair of temperature sensors and
any of ONICON’s flow meters that are ordered separately.
The flexible design provides energy, flow and temperature data on the local display
via analog and pulse outputs, and over a BACnet MS/TP or MODBUS RTU network.
Three auxiliary inputs are also provided to totalize pulses from other devices and
communicate those totals directly to the network. Each System-20 is subjected to a
series of conformance tests using highly automated, computer controlled, advanced test equipment.
This comprehensive testing ensures that each meter is fully functional and meets published performance
and accuracy specifications. The absolute accuracy of conformance test equipment is directly traceable to N.I.S.T.

Features Include: Chilled, Hot, and Condenser Water System Applications for:
• Multiple Outputs, Flow Meter and • Central plant monitoring, campus energy monitoring and cost allocation
Temperature Sensor Options • Performance/efficiency evaluations
• Auxiliary Pulse Inputs • AHU and CRAC units for commercial office tenant billing
• Built-in Interval Data Logger • Solar, geothermal and ground-source
• Suitable for Water and Water/Glycol Solutions energy monitoring
• User-Friendly Interface Display
FLOW AND ENERGY MEASUREMENT
www.onicon.com | sales@onicon.com | 727-447-6140
input #49 at www.csemag.com/information

cse201706_innovHlf_onicon.indd 1 5/15/2017 9:07:12 AM

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Larger Condensing Storage Water Heaters

The TURBOPOWER® 96 gas-fired, fire-tube, storage water
heater features 96% thermal efficiency and a tank and removable
heat exchanger fabricated from pickle-passivated duplex
stainless steel. Product line offers a heat input range from 500 to
1600 MBtu and storage capacities from 250 to 1500 gallons.
A full 15 year warranty is provided with the tank.

Additional features include a touch screen operating control,

low NOx combustion, and PVC or polypropylene venting. The
efficiency gain is accomplished by adding a stainless steel
economizer to the time-tested, 2-pass, TURBOPOWER heat
exchanger (more than 30,000 installations since 1983).
Water heaters are ASME stamped for 150 psi and ETL listed to
ANSI Z21.10.3/CSA 4.3. From PVI Industries, LLC a WATTS brand.

800-784-8326 | www.PVI.com

input #50 at www.csemag.com/information

 ADVERTISEMENT

FR-PANL Solutions Offer Protection and Low Installation Cost

The SEMCO FR-PANL™ is a National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)-
certified acoustical/thermal panel for HVAC system and power generating
enclosure, plenum, ductwork and structural wall barrier applications.

The FR-PANL™ has no screws through the panel joints, eliminating the
possibility of air and noise leaks while also reducing installation costs.
Available in a 4-inch thickness, these panels protect equipment inside
the enclosure from surrounding fires and also prevent fire spread to
surrounding environments when originating inside the enclosure.

The SEMCO FR-PANL™ is the Industry’s only certified fire protection

SEMCO’s FR-PANL
panel that’s also building code-compliant for use in structural, acoustical
and thermal applications. It has been preliminarily and successfully tested
under UL-263 “Standard for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials” using ASTM-E119 test criteria.
Its significantly low thermal transfer rate exceeds one hour of protection during fire events.

SEMCO panels are easy to install because of their quick-installing tongue-

and-groove design versus competing panel brands requiring excessive
field-applied fasteners.
www.semcohvac.com
sales.semco@flaktgroup.com | 573-443-1481

input #51 at www.csemag.com/information

cse201706_innovHlf_semco.indd 1 5/1/2017 12:04:18 PM

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Innovations in Industrial DC Power Systems

Driving availability up, cost down
SENS (Stored Energy Systems) has recently introduced three technologies that drive up
the availability of critical DC-powered industrial applications and drive cost down.
Ruggedized, modular rectifiers - The telecommunications industry has for years used
modular switch-mode rectifiers designed to operate in clean, indoor environments. Now,
with the advent of MicroGenius 2 rectifiers/battery chargers, SENS is delivering modular,
convection- cooled DC rectifiers for harsh industrial applications. These rectifiers operate
in parallel to scale power and provide N+1 redundancy. With N+1 redundancy, systems
such as the outdoor MicroCab 1500 can deliver extremely high availability at lower cost.
Modular rectifiers in MicroCab 1500
Battery life extending charging - Also in MicroGenius 2 is new charging technology that
up to doubles the life of flooded SLI batteries used for emergency generator starting, helps prevent sudden
battery failure, and ensures that batteries are fully charged in compliance with NFPA-110.
Low crank voltage alarm - The best predictor of a bad generator starting battery is low engine cranking voltage.
SENS has included another innovation - a low crank voltage alarm and crank history monitoring - in the MicroGenius 2,
giving users advance warning of an impending generator start failure.

SENS utilizes advanced signal processing technology to deliver these

innovations at essential no additional cost to the customer.
Call 1-866-736-7872 or visit www.sens-usa.com to learn more.
input #52 at www.csemag.com/information
 Digital Edition
Exclusive Content
Visit www.csemag.com/digitaledition for exclusive content and for
more technical feature articles. The digital edition includes tablet-friendly
viewing (HTML5), headlines linking to longer versions, and an emailed link
as soon as it’s ready.

DE-1 The basics of daylighting

A design strategy needs to be considered in order
to provide optimal daylighting in a space.
BY ALEXANDER SASSOON, EIT, LEED AP BD+C, WELL AP

Visit www.csemag.com/research for a

variety of research studies, including: research

 Electrical and power systems

 Fire and life safety
 HVAC, BAS
 Lighting and lighting controls
 2016 MEP Giants
 Salary survey.

www.csemag.com Consulting-Specifying Engineer • JUNE 2017 77

 The basics of
daylighting
A design strategy needs to be considered in order to provide
optimal daylighting in a space.

BY ALEXANDER SASSOON, EIT, LEED AP BD+C, WELL AP, P2S, Long Beach, Calif.

E
ffective daylight design in
Learning buildings creates a comfort-
objectives able and productive environ-
 How to identify successful ment for occupants. Effec-
daylighting design. tive daylighting can reduce
 Explore the elements of energy use, but also must limit HVAC
daylighting. loads. The U.S Green Building Council’s
 Learn how to integrate day- LEED rating system and the Interna-
lighting and lighting control tional WELL Building Institute’s WELL
systems. Building Standard are two well-known
rating systems that reward outstanding
daylighting design.
Daylighting design
It’s important to first identify the ele-
ments of successful daylighting design.
Buildings that are daylit provide ade-
quate lighting to perform most visual
Figure 1: A closed-loop photosensor measures both natural and artificial light in the
space. All graphics courtesy: P2S Engineering Inc.
tasks and limit glare. Luminance is the
measurement of task lighting, and Illu-
minance is a measurement of direct
glare. The unit of measurement for
luminance is a footcandle (fc), or lux,
and the unit for illuminance is candelas
per square meter (cd/m2). Uniformity
glare is also important, which is the ratio
of luminances in adjacent spaces.
People need between 5 and 10 fc for
circulation and orientation in a space,
between 30 and 50 fc to perform most
visual tasks, and between 50 and 100
fc to perform difficult tasks involving
low contrast or high accuracy. People
also need uniform light. The differ-
ence between lighting in task areas and
adjacent areas (uniformity glare ratio)
should be close to 3:1, and the unifor-
mity glare ratio between task areas and
remote areas should be close to 5:1. At
no point should the brightest spot be
more than 10 times brighter than the
darkest spot, or it will become a source
of indirect glare.
There are two ways to bring daylight
into a building: from the walls or from
the ceiling. Once daylight is brought
into a building, it’s important to make
sure that glare wasn’t introduced.
Sidelighting refers to daylighting
from windows. Windows can bring
twice as much daylight into a space.
For example, if the top of the window
is 10 ft above the floor, daylight will

DE1 Consulting-Specifying Engineer • JUNE 2017 www.csemag.com

Figure 2: With multiple sources of day-
light and user needs, zoning lighting
controls is challenging.
penetrate up to 20 ft into the room. Window
daylighting has several advantages and
disadvantages. Windows allow occu-
pants to look out into the world, con-
tributing to visual comfort. The LEED
V4 Indoor Environmental Quality credit
calls for view glazing for 75% of the reg-
ularly occupied floor area. But, windows
reduce insulation efficiency and allow
solar heat gain, resulting in increased
HVAC energy. Windows on all but the
north side of a building present glare
conditions unless controlled.
Toplighting is the application of day-
lighting from the ceiling. This includes
skylights, solar collectors, clerestories,
or sawtooth structures. Toplighting can
typically supply light to an area equal
to the mounting height. A skylight
aperture mounted 20 ft above the floor
can provide daylight to a 20x20-ft area
below the skylight. Skylights get more
sun exposure than windows, leading to
increased heat gain, but solar tubes can
reduce this. Toplighting can penetrate
deep into buildings, but it favors only
1- or 2-story buildings and does not pro-
vide views to the outdoors.
After bringing daylight into the space,
reducing glare is just as important.
There are three types of glare: direct
glare, indirect glare, and uniformity-
related glare. Unshielded light fixtures
www.csemag.com
Figure 3: An open-loop photosensor measures only natural light in the space.
and low-incident sunlight (such as at (IESNA) and others recommend auto-
sunrise and sunset) cause direct glare. matic shading, since occupants often
Reflections off of interior surfaces leave shades closed.
cause indirect glare. Uniformity glare Reducing indirect glare hinges on
occurs when illuminance varies greatly reducing the reflectivity of interior sur-
between adjacent areas of a room. faces. Selecting satin instead of glossy
The only way to limit direct glare is finishes, for instance, goes a long way
to reduce incident light coming through toward reducing glare. Materials with
People need between 5 and 10 fc for circulation and
orientation in a space, between 30 and 50 fc to perform
most visual tasks, and between 50 and 100 fc to perform
difficult tasks involving low contrast or high accuracy.
windows. Static exterior shading low light-reflectance values (LRV)
reduces heat load and glare throughout reduce glare but also reduce daylight
the year, but it is not adjustable. Inte- penetration. Rotating highly reflective
rior shading, such as adjustable blinds surfaces is also important to reduce
or shades, also reduce direct glare and undesirable indirect glare. The WELL
heat gain. Electrochromic glass also is Building Standard recommends orient-
a popular and affordable option that ing computer screens so they are per-
alters the visible transmittance of glar- pendicular to windows that are within
ing by up to 90%. The Illuminating 15 ft of them and allowing a minimum
Engineering Society of North America LRV of 50% for furniture.
Consulting-Specifying Engineer • JUNE 2017 DE2
 The basics of daylighting
Daylighting design strategies
There are several design factors that
can reduce uniformity-related glare.
Providing multiple daylight sources can
balance daylight penetration and uni-
formity. Examples of this are installing
windows on different walls or installing
a window and a skylight. Reducing the
“lease depth”—the distance from the
window to the nearest interior parti-
tion—allows light to enter the space.
Feature 61 in the WELL Building Stan-
dard requires that 75% of regularly
Figure 4: Light penetrates the space twice as deep as the window top-of-sill height.
Figure 5: Skylights should be spaced equal to the mounting height of the aperture in
the space.
DE3 Consulting-Specifying Engineer • JUNE 2017
occupied spaces be within 25 ft of view
windows. Balancing surface reflectance
and minimizing opaque interior parti-
tions can also improve light uniformity.
There are other tradeoffs to bal-
ance besides glare. Along with visible
light, infrared light also enters build-
ings, contributing to solar heat gain.
This can be an advantage in hot cli-
mates, where it contributes to passive
design strategies. But the improper
application of daylighting in cooler
climates can waste energy. Selecting
glazing with the right balance between
visual transmittance and solar heat-gain
coefficient is difficult and often requires
coordination between daylight and
energy models.
The location and orientation of glaz-
ing and the facade design can also
significantly impact heat gain. North-
facing glazing experiences lower heat
gain than south-, east-, or west-facing
glazing. Since sidelighting penetrates
the space based on the top-of-sill height,
the bottom-of-sill height can be raised
to reduce solar heat gain. Floor-to-ceil-
ing windows significantly contribute
to heat gain while providing limited
daylighting. Clerestories and skylights
bring daylight deep into spaces, but do
not offer outside views. Another way
to reduce solar heat gain is to provide
an exterior shade or awning above the
glazing.
To analyze daylighting beyond rules
of thumb, specialized software is neces-
sary. LEED and WELL Building Stan-
dard guidelines both prescribe software
modeling to receive credits for a day-
lighting strategy. There are two types
of analysis: discrete and continuous.
Discrete analysis simulates lighting at a
particular hour of the year. Continuous
analysis simulates lighting throughout
the year using 10 hours of each day.
The analysis then generates statistics on
annual performance based on defined
criteria.
Discrete analysis provides direct
luminance and illuminance values on
a surface. These values help to analyze
glare and daylighting potential. The
summer and winter solstices (June 21
and Dec. 21) and spring and fall equi-
noxes (March 21 and Sept. 21) are
common dates to use. These are days
where the sun is highest, lowest, and at
the midpoint in the sky, making them
ideal analysis days. Typical times are
8 a.m., noon, and 4 p.m., representing
both east, south, and west exposures.
These simulations give the designer
information about extremes, but pro-
vide little about annual performance.
Their upside is they can be performed
www.csemag.com
much faster than continuous-analysis
simulations.
Continuous analysis provides sta-
tistics to determine if there is glare or
adequate daylight. To do this, continu-
ous analysis performs many discrete
analyses. Simulations analyze condi-
tions during every hour between 8 a.m.
and 5 p.m. on a daily basis. In this case,
the continuous analysis is performing
3,650 discrete analyses, which takes
some time.
There are three common types of
continuous analysis, with each serving
a different purpose:
n Daylight factor (DF) is the ratio
of indoor to outdoor illuminance.
Because it measures relative
brightness, it is useful for analyz-
ing light uniformity. It is also easy
to use DF to estimate illuminance
levels and validate using physical
models or existing buildings.
n Spatial daylight autonomy (sDA)
is the percentage of a space that
can be daylit most of the time. For
instance, a value of sDA300/50
at 55% means that at least 55% of
the area is lit to 300 Lux (28 fc) at
least 50% of the time.
n Annual sunlight exposure (ASE)
is the percentage of a space that
experiences too much light,
resulting in glare conditions. A
value of ASE1000/250 at 10%
means that no more than 10% of
the space experiences more than
1000 Lux (93 fc) for more than
250 hours/year.
Other methods include useful day-
light illuminance (UDI) and averages
of discrete time analyses. UDI is the
percentage of time when useful daylight
is available. Averages of discrete time
analyses include annual footcandle lev-
els or luminance levels. Both give more
granular information than the sDA and
ASE values, making them useful for
accent daylighting. But they are more
www.csemag.com
difficult to interpret and have limited
direct value to daylighting design.
Integrating lighting control systems
After developing a successful day-
lighting plan for the project, integrat-
ing the lighting control system is the
Successful daylighting also complements the
lighting design and improves occupant comfort.
Reducing lighting power and heat gain with daylighting
also reduces energy use in the building.
next step. Without this, there will be
very little energy savings and general
occupant confusion. The two primary
lighting control components for day-
lighting coordination are photosensors
and zoning.
Photosensors measure light and con-
trol light fixtures in response to avail-
able daylight. There are two types of
photosensors—closed-loop and open-
loop. This refers to the type of feedback
control and impacts the installation
and zoning capabilities of the system.
Closed-loop photosensors measure the
amount of light in a space, from both
artificial and natural lighting. This
makes it easy to set a specific minimum
light level, but the photosensor only
controls one zone of lighting. Open-
loop photosensors only measure day-
light and can control multiple zones.
This limits their ability to set a specific
light level and relies on the space not
changing after commissioning.
Advanced lighting controls are nec-
essary to set up control zones that can
respond to both daylight and occupant
needs. For instance, take a room that is
daylit from two directions and requires a
“projector screen” zone. A typical room
controller or panel-based lighting con-
trol system requires at least three zones
for that room, and they may overlap.
But if each fixture is its own zone, they
Consulting-Specifying Engineer • JUNE 2017
can maintain programmatic features
and allow fine-grain control of daylit
spaces. Individual fixture controls use
software to create digital zones. These
zones can then overlap with each other
and respond to sensor and user inter-
actions. Individual fixture controls also
often include their own daylight and
occupancy sensors. This allows them to
be independent but still controllable as
a group, giving users the best of each
method.
Successful daylighting requires close
coordination between architecture,
structural, mechanical, and lighting
design. Without coordination, daylight-
ing is likely to upset both occupants and
owners as well as waste energy. Success-
ful daylighting also complements the
lighting design and improves occupant
comfort. Reducing lighting power and
heat gain with daylighting also reduces
energy use in the building.
Artificial lighting uses around 25%
of the building’s energy, and daylight-
ing can reduce that use by up to 80%.
This limits solar gains and lowers
HVAC loads that offset the internal
lighting load. Apart from energy sav-
ings, daylighting contributes to the
health and well-being of occupants. It
helps increase productivity and reduce
absenteeism while providing high-
quality light for task and ambient uses.
Daylighting is valuable and necessary
for efficient building design.
Alexander Sassoon, LEED AP BD+C,
WELL AP is an electrical design engineer
and project manager at P2S Engineering
Inc.
DE4
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78 Consulting-Specifying Engineer • JUNE 2017 www.csemag.com
3.5" wide x 4.5" high
 Future of Engineering
How engineering firms can enhance value
with software and intellectual property
Enhanced technology will provide the tools to create more
value for engineering firms.
T
he exponential growth of com-
puting power, increasingly
innovative software applica-
tions, and a relentless pursuit of
streamlined project delivery has led
many engineering firms from the
world of T squares and slide rules to
suddenly resembling Silicon Valley
startups. Customers are constantly
demanding better, faster, and cheaper
projects. As a result, engineering firms
have looked to software and intellectu-
al property (IP) to gain a leg up. These
innovations, if properly harnessed,
should lead to an increase in value if
one of the below paths are followed.
Third-party applications or IP
The first, and more traditional, route
is leveraging a third-party application or
internally developed IP to improve effi-
ciency. If a firm can employ technology
to do their work better-faster-cheaper,
profit margins should improve. In the
If an engineer can produce two sets of
plans in the same amount of time it used
to take to produce one, the firm’s profit
and loss statement should benefit. This,
of course, is under the assumption that
the revenue generated by each project
is constant, regardless of the amount of
time or cost to produce them.
Firms that work on a lump-sum or
fixed-fee basis stand to gain the most
from the improved efficiencies technol-
ogy and IP can provide.
80 Consulting-Specifying Engineer • JUNE 2017
NEIL CHURMAN, Houston; and
ANDY JOHNSTON, Charlotte, N.C.,
7 Mile Advisors
Technology is already employed
in less complex service businesses
to reduce manually intensive tasks,
automate easily defined transactions,
and facilitate reuse of similar historic
solutions. At the farthest end of the
technology spectrum, artificial intel-
ligence is seeking to replace human
recollection, judgment, and estimation
in a scalable manner that delivers either
comparable or better results derived
from highly trained people. The pri-
mary advantage technology-based solu-
tions have over human capital is scale.
Delivery methods like virtual design
and construction will soon become the
new norm for projects of all sizes, so
firms will need to adapt their methods
and become fluent in the processes and
tools necessary to compete. Tools like
Revit, coupled with contract structures
that enable and incentivize efficiency,
can be tremendous value-creation
methods for firms in the industry.
Monetizing proprietary software
The second, and less traveled, route
is to monetize a proprietary software or
application externally by marketing it
to other industry partners. Many firms
that have developed IP have struggled
to find ways to monetize it, either
because they feared they’d lose the
advantage it afforded them to compete
for projects or because they lacked the
ability to effectively market it.
Assuming the former can be over-
come, engineering firms should
understand that a different set of com-
petencies is needed to make the latter
successful.
These firms need a dedicated staff
whose only job is to build, maintain,
and sell the software. They also need
to have an appetite for a different
business model that involves building
prototypes, piloting, gaining traction
through marketing, and then waiting
for revenue to come in. There is little to
no immediate value creation in a soft-
ware-as-a-service business model, but
it is incredibly scalable and can add a
high-margin, recurring revenue stream
to the typical project-based business
model of an engineering firm.
The takeaway is that firms that believe
IP has value beyond internal use will
need to think differently about their
approach. Software and IP should be
more than just a way to get projects out
the door.
Neil Churman is a director at 7 Mile
Advisors, where he advises architecture,
engineering, and construction industry
firms.
Andy Johnston is a founding partner
of 7 Mile Advisors. The investment
banking firm focuses on working with
providers of consulting and professional
services.
www.csemag.com
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